Making After-School Cool Podcast: Recent Episodes
Case4kids
The Making After-School Cool Podcast is an essential part of the CASE for Kids push to increase the awareness of resources that improve quality in the after-school and out-of-school time field.
Join Mike Wilson and field experts as they discuss best practices, the growth mindset, project-based learning, social emotional learning, restorative practices and student engagement all with after-school providers in mind.
Brought to you by Case4Kids
The topic of this episode, the CASE Clinic: A free training designed for after school direct service staff to help them feel confident as the new school year begins.
During this episode you will hear interviews with after-school program professionals discussing their work experiences, challenges, and approaches to working with youth. They share the importance of the following:
- Networking,
- The need for staff to have continuous learning opportunities through training,
- How to create an engaging learning environment
- The importance of building relationships
- The need to encourage youth voice
- The importance of continuous quality improvement.
- and advice for those interested in starting after-school programs, emphasizing the importance of child-centered programming and professional collaboration.
Resources:
Harris County Department of Education - Harris County Department of Education / HCDE Homepage
CASE for Kids - www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone
Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org
This episode of Making Afterschool Cool podcasts focuses on getting youth and their families prepared for post-secondary education. Numerous research reports suggest in addition to academics’ soon to be college students need to master teamwork, resilience, self-management and time management skills (Nelson, 2012; Savitz-Romer & Bouffard, 2012; Tierney & Sablan, 2014). To speak on this topic is my guest today, Ms. Marcie Brooks.
Ms. Brooks is the Founder and Executive Director of Academia in Motion (AIM), a community driven, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering teens through life skills, college prep and career exploration. Aim will host a College Readiness Camp June 26-29th
Resources:
For more information regarding Academia In Motion contact Marcele Brooks - academiainmotion@gmail.com or find them on Facebook
For more information regarding CASE for Kids and the Making After School Cool Podcast contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org or visit CASE for Kids @ CASE for Kids / Homepage
As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, the need for Coding specialist is growing. Many computer programs and app development requires special knowledge, vocabulary and expertise to create a useful tool. Coding is the topic of this episode and features my today’s guest, Mr. Chris Powell. Chris is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 15 years of experience working in various areas of IT, designing and securing large-scale cloud infrastructure across hybrid environments.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- What is Coding
- Successful coding projects Code Coaches have worked with students on
- What methods Code Coaches use to provide constructive feedback to students?
- Why it is enjoyable working in STEM
Resources
TheCoderSchool - Spring spring.thecoderschool.com
Visit us: https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/spring/
For those working with youth, one way to encourage young people to express themselves and their feelings is through the art of poetry. This brings me to the topic of this episode of the Making Afte School Cool podcast, the power of the spoken word in the form of poetry. To speak on this is my guest today, Ms. Ebony Stewart, Ms. Stewart.
Ebony is also a mental health advocate, consultant, and former sexual health educator. As one of the most decorated poets in Texas, Ebony is a respected coach & mentor, one of the top touring poets in the country. She has performed in 49 states, at over 200 colleges and universities across the country, as has been featured internationally in Canada, Australia, Ghana, and Norway.
During this episode you will learn the following:
- How writing poetry can lead to self-discovery and personal growth.
- Sharing poetry can boost confidence and self-esteem.
- Poetry reflects cultural values, traditions, and foster an understanding of diverse cultures.
- Poetry stimulates creative thinking, imagination and enhances vocabulary, and linguistic skills.
Resources:
Ebony Stewart - EBONY STEWART - Home
Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features this year’s winners of the Spirit of Excellence Award at the CASE for Kids Annual End of the Year Celebration. The recipients were nominated by professionals in the OST field based on their impact and influence or youth and community partners. This episode features this year’s winners including Tanisha "Tish" McDaniel, Devin Jamesson, Álvaro Carrillo, Crystalyn Jordan, Walter Hull and Josephine Jones.
This episode of the Making Afte school Cool podcast recognizes the incredible contributions of dedicated professionals who enhance the experiences of youth attending after-school programs. Their hard work, creativity, and compassion creates a safe and enriching environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive. During this year's after school professionals’ appreciation week, CASE for Kids want to express gratitude to them for their dedication.
During this Podcast you will hear Josh Brown's story, which highlights the importance of decision-making and the potential life-changing dangers of alcohol. Josh, a 2012 Fairmont State University graduate, now gives presentations around the country to young people about the consequences of alcohol addiction, which led to a life-ending tragedy and three years of incarceration. Having started fresh, Josh has made it his mission to mentor young athletes about their potential in life without alcohol and drugs, sharing his story of redemption over the past two years at several high schools and college campuses.
For more information, please contact on Josh Brown please visit
The Official Website of Josh Brown
For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Podcast please contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org
The first week of March has been designed at Social Emotional Learning week. SEL programming in schools and after-school settings is growing, and social and emotional learning standards have been developed in many states at the secondary school level. and the SEL approach is increasingly of interest to those studying adolescent development
My guest today is Nora Tejada, a Project Specialist with CASE for Kids.
During this podcast you will hear more about:
- Learn more about SEL week
- Ideas to promote Social Emotional Learning in after school
- How to get SEL resources
For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Pocast, contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org
This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast features Fayez Eyabi, an undergraduate student at UC Riverside. Originally from Escondido, California, Fayez is pursuing a medical career and is committed to addressing the health disparities in underserved communities. He believes such efforts are vital for improving health outcomes and empowering individuals.
This is part 2 of a 2 part series focusing on how our mindset and thinking shape our level of future success. To speak on this is my guest to day Dr. Wendi Zimmer. Wendi is an expert in mindset development, a professor, an educational consultant, and creator of the Mindset Factor.
During this episode you will learn:
- The Four pillars of the Force Continuum and how it can change how people view themselves and help them achieve their goals
- The difference between working in groups and collaborating with others to achieve a goal.
- A brief description of you Weekly Bits of Wonderful Writing Wisdom
Resources
Dr. Zimmer - wendi@wendizimmer.com
Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org
The Making After School Cool Podcast is produced by CASE for kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education and is hosted by Mike Wilson
This is part one of a 2-part series of episodes which, focuses on the influence our mindset have on our lives. There are many perspectives and theories regarding how our thinking shape our level of future success and to speak on this is my guest to day Dr. Wendi Zimmer
During this podcast you will hear about:
- Zimmer’s definition of mindset
- How does our mindset strengthen or weaken what we can achieve.
- How does our thoughts control our emotions?
- The four pillars of the Force Continuum and how it can change how people view themselves and help them achieve their goals.
Resources:
Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Dr. Wendi Zimmer – wendi@wendizimmer.com
The topic of today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast, focuses on the use of Hip Hop pedagoy to teach financial literacy in underserved communties. My guest is Joshua Marks who’s passion for the hip-hop inspired him to develop a curriculum called "Hip Hopportunity." The vision of Hip Hopportunity LLC is to create an inclusive learning environment for youth of all backgrounds that fosters critical thinking & financial literacy through hip-hop pedagogy.
During this podcast you will learn about the following:
- The motivation behind developing Hip Hopportunity
- The disparity in financial literacy among diverse groups of people and the importance regarding closing the economic gap
- The types of activities and lessons youth can learn from Hip Hopportunity
- The importance for youth to have a vehicle to share their voice, culture and language without judgment.
Resources
Hip Hopportunity - www.hip-hopportunity.com
Joshua Marks – joshua@hip-hopportunity.com
Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Today’s episode of the Making After School podcast focuses strategies parents’ educators, after school practitioners and youth face; how to be successful in school and life. To speak on these issues is my guest Mr. Mills Rogers. Mills "Mr. Rodge" Rodgers’s is a consultant, author and trainer with a purpose to help education & corporate leaders improve campus & organizational culture.
During the episode you will learn:
- How to overcome common educational obstacles including lack of parental involvement and economic factors
- Addressing the stress and anxiety experienced by youth
- Steps to advocate for special needs youth
- Overview of the books “You Can Win Being You,” and “Success is a Process, Not an Event,”
Resources
Mills Rogers - www.successisaprocess.net
Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org
We at CASE for Kids would like to send a special message of gratitude and thanks to our partners, out of school time professionals, community supporters, parents, teachers and administrators, mentors and most importantly the students who touch all our lives. We wish you a speacail Holiday Season
The topic of today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast, focuses on defining your own unique success story. There are many perspectives of what is considered successful. Some may say it is the accomplishment of reaching a life goal, while others may view it as economic wealth, a position of high regard, or status within a community. Then there are those who believe success is an internal measurement based on the realization of an individual’s purpose (Palmer,2021). To assist others on their journey of defining their own unique success story is my guest today Mr. Chip Baker.
During this podcast you will learn about the following:
- How to develop a personal defintion of success
- The Success Chronicles, & what motivated you to develop it
- Advice for youth who are starting this journey towards developing goals and accomplishing them?
- The importance of being intentional about being intentional can you expand on this mindset
- The importantance of being around people who are positive and successful
Resources
Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Chip Baker - ChipBakerTSC@gmail.com
Today's episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features my Discussion with Nicole Milton with the Mental Health America of Greater Houston. During this episode you will hear about the following:
- the connection between a person’s mental health and the impact it could have on their physical health
- Why are good self-care practices important for a person’s personal and professional life
- How does stress affect us physically and emotionally
- Balaning alone time and social interaction to improve your health and wellbeing
Resources
Mike Wilson - Mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Nicole Milton - nmilton@mhahouston.org
Today’s episode of the Making After School Podcast is part 2 of my interview with Dipin Bhakata, Co-Area Leader of The US Dream Academy in Houston, TX. We continue or discussion on the power positive mentoring programs can have on youth. The U.S. Dream Academy helps children reach for their dreams through academic, social, and values enrichment. The agency empowers children impacted by parental incarceration to believe in themselves and to succeed.
For more Information contact:
Dipen Bhakta
Co-Area Leader
Email: dbhakta@usdreamacademy.org
Today’s episode of the Making After School Podcast focuses on the power of positive mentoring programs can have on youth. Mentorship programs, both formally and informally have been around for centuries. Be it in the form of apprenticeships, coaching, teaching or parenting, mentors play a crucial role in the development of youth. One such program that is doing this type of work is the US Dream Academy. I am fortunate to have has my guest today on the Making After School Cool Podcast is Dipen Bhakata, Co-Area Leader of The US Dream Academy in Houston, TX.
This episode of the Making After School Podcast focuses on self-care and proper mental health care strategies for adults and professionals working with youth in either education, social work, youth programing or as mentors. My guest today is Ms. Nichole Milton with Mental health America of Greater Houston.
During this podcast you will learn more regarding:
- The connection between a person’s mental health and the impact it could have on their physical health
- Why good self-care practices are important for a person’s personal and professional life
- Examples of healthy self-care practices
Resources
Nichole Milton - nmilton@mhahouston.org
Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org
For many youths, being a successful adult is often viewed in a lens primarily associated with making a large amount of money. Although low-income youth may not personally know people who are successful in business, acting or athletics, these professions are very attractive to kids because the benefactors appear well compensated. Having a wide knowledge on financial literacy allows youth to think rationally and make effective decisions on financial use and management (ANZ Bank, 2008; Van Rooij et al., 2011).
During this episode you will hear more about:
- Kidprenur Dreams: Exploring Money and Emotions and the Coloring Book: a World of Creative and learning
- Why is it import for parents, youth and out of school time staff be knowledgeable regarding help youth be aware of financial literacy
- Some of the biggest mistakes youth fall into regarding make sound financial decisions.
- The best age youth should practice sound money management
The topic of this episode of the Making After School podcast, is, "Preparing Youth for Natural or Sudden Disastrous Events." To speak on this topic is my guest, Mr. Jeremy Foster, with the Office of School Safety and Security with Harris County Department of Education Center for Safe and Secure Schools.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- Steps parents can take help dimmish the fears of their children who may be facing their first natural disaster.
- Suggestions for help kids understand the differences between terms such as Hurricane Warning and Hurricane Watch,
- Suggestions after school programs or youth centers regarding plannng for to severe weather like flash floods and tornadoes?
- Steps care givers can take to help youth recover from any emotionally fears or distress they may have experienced caused from natural disasters?
Resources:
Mike Wilson - Mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Jeremy Foster - Jeremy.Foster@hcde-texas.org
Over the last decade, the emergence of after school programs, either school based or community-based programs, have changed parents’ expectations of their children’s experiences during non-school hours.
To address this issue, is my guest Dr. Jesus Campos, who is a Data Analyst/Research Coordinator, with the Research and Evaluation Institute of Harris County Department of Education.
During this podcast you will learn more about:
- HCDE’ Research and Evaluation department,
- The type of research/data they evaluate,
- The Community Partnership Model
- How parents' participation in afterschool or out school time programs is positively corelated with their overall satisfaction with the program
Resources
Mike Wilson can be reached at mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Dr. Jesus Campos can be reach at jesus.campos@hcde-texas.org
Today’s topic focuses on the influence a positive male role model can have on at risk minority boys. According to research there are three strategies frequently used with developing male mentoring programs. They include some form of rites of passages, social responsibility training, and introduction to successful men. Therefore, the focus of this episode of the Making After School Cool podcast highlights the work of Mr. Keith Cornelius, the current Director of the Urban Enrichment Institute, and an advocate for male mentorship.
During this episode you will hear about:
- What motivate men to be mentors
- Why it is important for teenaged males, to have a caring mentor in their lives
- How to recruit mentors, and do you look for a particular skill set for mentors
- How are the students identified and selected to participate in the program
Today’s topic focuses on building a supportive environment that address the concerns and issues faced by youth in today’s multifaceted society. My guest today is Mr. JC Pohl of Teen Truth. JC Pohl is an award-winning producer, nationally recognized speaker, and certified counselor who has reached over 12 million people in 8,000+ schools.
During this Episode you will learn more about the following:
-
What motivated JC to start Teen Voice?
-
How to identify and recruit who are willing to share their experiences
-
What can be learned listing to youth voice?
-
Why is it important for youth to have vehicles to develop their own unique voice?
Today’s topic of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the power of building quality relationship with youth in OST programs. There is currently an explosion of research based on the need & interest in after-school programs. According to research published in the American Journal of Community Psychology “More Than Attendance: The Importance of After School Program Quality (Barton J. Hirsch • Megan A. Mekinda • Julie Ann Stawick, 2010)”
The rationale for these programs may include supporting working parents; enhancing school reform initiatives; providing mentors to young people; and/or providing youth with a voice in programs. Today's episode highlights the work of my guest today, Mr. Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Founder and Executive Director of the EJS Project, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization which a focus on building and empowering our future leaders.
During this podcast you will learn more about:
- This history of the EJS Project
- Offering services that are attracted to youth.
- The importance of community involvement and support a successful program.
- Suggestions for mentoring youth?
This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the Power of Poetry and the Spoken Word. Since, 1996, the month of April has been designated as National Poetry Month. This distinction reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters. My guest today is a poet in the Houston area, Ms. Jo-Ann Blanchard. Ms. Blanchard has been writing since the age of 10 and is an advocate of domestic violence prevention and intervention. During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- How Ms. Blanchard started to get recognized as a poet
- How to develop poems
- Overcoming the fear of sharing writings with others?
- Overcoming Writers’ Block
- How can the written word help youth struggling with mental health issues.
Resources
Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Ms. Jo Anne Blanchard – jahsayblancard@gmail.com
Harris County Department of Education – www.hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids - www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone
The Afterschool is Cool Youth Expo focused on career opportunities in the field of technology, including digital innovation, energy entrepreneurship and life sciences, and incorporated the gamification of learning. The Expo is part of LevelUp Houston, Harris County’s newest student badging platform, developed by CASE for Kids and MyVoluntier and funded by the Houston Endowment through the Education Foundation of Harris County.
Today’s topic features teenagers who are a member of the City Of Houston Youth Ambassadors advisory group. This group, under the direction of Ms. Laura Cuellar, are advisors to the city of Houston Mayor’s Office. The City of Houston Championing Change Youth Ambassadors include youth ages 13-18 who work to advance children’s rights and ensure youth voice is considered in the City of Houston's programs and decision-making. They provide the youth’s perspective regarding issues faced by their age group.
During the episode you will hear the follow:
- Current issues faced by their age group
- What motivated them to get involved with advising the mayor’s office on youth issues
- What advice would you give other students on why they should be involved with local government
- There plans after high school
Resources
Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Another Step for Youth child rights podcast
My guest today on the Making After School Cool podcast is Dr. Crystal Belle. Dr. Belle is a published writer, activist, educator and professional development trainer. She is an authority in, Diversity. Equity and Inclusion and education consultant, self-care coach and author. As the founder of Self Love Life 101, her goal is to help people live their best lives through online video coaching, educational consulting and fitness/wellness.
Resource
Dr. Crystal Belle
Home | Dr Crystal Belle
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast highlights the work of Dr. William Parrett research regarding strategies schools with alarge number in impoverished students yet still produce high academic achievement. According to theories among many psychologists and child development specialists a child’s behavior can stems from many things including a combination of genes and their environment. This episode presents step those working with students from low economic environment can to to empower these youth
During this podcast you will lean the following:
- The mission of Parrett Associates
- The differences between successful schools who teach students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds from those who struggle with this populations.
- How the out of school time environment can play a role in supporting students’ academic success.
- Suggestions regarding how to create an environment that is responsive to youth living in poverty
Resources
Parrett Associates
www.schoolsdisruptingpoverty.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Todays topic features a podcast series developed, and produced by students attending Chavez Highschool. These students learned the fundamentals of podcasting and host their own show entitled the Teen Aged Life. This segment of their episode centers on a debate regarding the availability of cell use for high school students during school hours.
Guest
I would like the thank the students producing their own podcast “The Teenage Life, “ podcast at Chavez High school. They are Christopher Rodriguez, Gianna Garcia, Seryna Sandoval, David Lara, Savana Chavarria, Mariana Reyes, Gloria Handres Jandres, Jezabelle Longoria, and Moses Garcia
Resources
Katherine Shaw
luevaletgj2o.pbworks.com/f/Student%20Cell%20Phone%20Use.pdf
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
This episode of the Making After School Podcast features my interview with Dr. Rich Milner, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development. We discuss the unique challegenes of working with students living in urban setting and how to address the opportunity gaps that many if these students encounter
Guest
Dr. H. Richard Milner IV. Dr. Milner is President of the American Educational Research Association, the largest research organization in the world. He is also an elected member of the National Academy of Education. He is a researcher, scholar and leader of urban education and teacher education. Centering on equity and diversity, he has spent hundreds of hours observing teachers’ practices and interviewing educators and students in urban schools about micro-level policies that shape students’ opportunities to learn..
During This Podcast you will learn information regarding the following
- A Description of urban education, what do we know regarding the subject, and what other information do we need to know
- Recommendations concerning how educators should support students of color, students living in poverty line, and those whose first language is not English.
- The difference between the term “opportunity gaps.” and “achievement gap”
- The Teachers Race Talk Survey,one of the first survey instruments focused on teachers’ reported beliefs about race and discourse.
- The three types of urban education
Resources
Dr. Richard Milner
rich.milner@vanderbilt.edu
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focues on the positive influence mentors can have on the lives of youth. This is part two of the series.
During this podcast you will learn more regarding:
- Risk factors for youth who do not have access to a positive adult in their life beyond the school day educators?
- The difficulties regardomg finding mentors, for older boys of color
- How the lack of a mentor can lead some youth to incarceration.
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.or
Harris County Department of Educcation
www.hcde-texas.org
Case for Kids
www.hcde-texas.org/CASE
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focues on the positive influence mentors can have on the lives of youth. A report by Dr. Jean E. Rhodes and Dr. David L. DuBois from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and University of Illinois at Chicago respectively, indicate that youth having had a mentoring relationship during adolescence exhibited significantly better outcomes regarding high-school completion, college attendance, and employment. To discuss his own personal joinery in developing mentoring relationships with youth is Today, my guest on the Making After School Cool podcase is Mr. Mr. Terrell Williams Sr.
During this podcast you will learn more regarding:
- Risk factors for youth who do not have access to a positive adult in their life beyond the school day educators?
- The difficulties regardomg finding mentors, for older boys of color
- How the lack of a mentor can lead some youth to incarceration.
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.or
Harris County Department of Educcation
www.hcde-texas.org
Case for Kids
www.hcde-texas.org/CASE
Over the last two decades the emergence of after school programs have grown into its own industry. Initially, thought of a place where kids can stay after school until their parents come home from work, currently after school program are more complexed and can address students and community needs. According to research conducted by Dr. Fashola, with John Hopkins and Howard Universities, her review of research literature on the subject indicates, by attending after-school programs participants can improve their socialization skills, programs can provide students with enriching experiences that broaden their perspectives of their life and future possibilities; and after-school programs can help to improve the academic achievement of students who may be struggling during regular school hours.
Today on the Making After School Cool podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing CASE for Kids staff who are assigned to 21st Century program. This episode features Imyria Bledsaw. who was a high school students participating in the program and currently works on one of the sites, Briana Fips, Kathrine Delatorre, and Deshawn Gibson who are after school program specialist. I also interviewd Keanda Fuller who is a Program Coordinator at Havard Elementary. During our discussion they shared their experiences participating in and working for and out of school time program.
This is our third episode in our series regarding interacting with youth during the technology age. Today's episode focuses on guiding youth to be responsible when using cells phone and other forms of social media. According to research conducted by Dr. Ling, and Dr. Haddon, published in the International Handbook of Children; as kids age, their use of mobile phones often create unexpected issues concerning child-parent relations, and peer-peer relationships because of their cell phone practices. To help parents and youth build a positive digital consciousness is my guest Richard Gary with the Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication, also known as IROC2.
During this podcast you will lean the following:
- The initial motivation to create the Institute for Responsible Online Cellphone Communication, also known as IROC2,
- What’s your target audience and what have you found to be the best way to reach them?
- Are all your services fee based or do you also offer free resources as well as are they offered virtually, in person or both?
- What should parents, school staff, after school practitioners and even peers be on the lookout to keep kids safe?
- The meaning for the term digital consciousness
- I see IROC2 also have podcast, what are some of the topics you discuss
- Any final comment you would love to share?
Resources
Richard Gary
www.iroc2.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Case for Kids
www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone
This is our second episode in our series regarding interacting with youth during this age of technological advancement. The more digitally literate children become, the more likely they will learn skills which empowers them to avoid the numerous online risks. . Unfortunately, as digital skills develop with use, inequalities persist due to social economic status, age and, to a lesser degree, gender. One organization providing workshops and resources and support for families, schools, businesses, charities, and not-for-profits, is the White Hatter.
During this podcast you will learn:
- What motivated the creation of the White Hatter
- What are the different topics you present for different age groups?
- What should people be on the lookout for to keep kids safe
- Are services offered virtually, in person or both,
.
Today, the use of technology has grown exponentially and is commonplace in our everyday lives. However, without guidance and training from a caring adult, young people can unintentionally misuse their technological fluency as a valuable resource. To speak on living with teens in a digital age is Diana Graber. Diana is a digital literacy educator and advocate. She is the co-founder of Cyberwise, a leading online safety and digital literacy organization; and the founder of Cyber Civics, an innovative middle school digital citizenship and literacy program currently being taught in over 40 US states, as well as the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Africa.
During this episode you will learn about:
- What age should kids have their own electronic devices?
- A summary of "Cyber Civics" and "Digital Citizenship,” a Literacy Course for Middle School Students
- Why, it is important for parents, educators, and other caring adults to discuss the benefits and or dangers of technology
- The importance of understanding the term online reputation
Resources Diana Graber www.cyberwise.org
Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Today’s guest on the Making After School Cool Podcast is Ms. Maria Perez. For the last 6 months Maria has been working here with Case as a project-based learning associate. In fact I had to pleasure of assisting Maria with establishing a Youth oriented podcast created by kids. To share her xperience, and what’s it like to create project based learning activities for youth is my guest Maria Perez
During this podcast you will learn about the following:
- What are benefits for involving students in project-based learning activities
- What are key essential elements needed for students to be successful in a project- based learning activities
- How do students frequently respond to the opportunity to develop and create their own project
- What are potential challenges students may encounter with their projects
- Advice and resources for a person who would want to lead students project-learning activities
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today’s episode of the Making After School Podcast focus on ways parents can support students' emotional and educational needs. My guest are my colleagues with CASE for Kids Azelia O’Neal and Jesus Urdiales and they play an important role involving empowering parents to support their kids educational needs. They are Family Engagement Specialist supporting our 21st Century Community Center Campuses.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- The role parents play in regard to their child’s academic success
- Advice for working parent who want to show support of their child’s learning.
- Recommendation for parents when their child has exceeded the parents educational level
Resources
Mike Wilsopn - mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Azelia O'neal - AOneal@hcde-texas.org
Jesus Urdiales - Jesus.Urdiales@hcde-texas.org
Motivation for students and adult can at times be a challenge. One resource adults and youth can use to stay on track is the Growth Times Infinity Podcast hosted by Reggie Bisor. This valuable resource provides guidance for people of all ages to develop personal, spiritual and mental strength to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.
During this podcast you will learn:
- Why it is important for youth to explore a variety of activities to discover different things they might enjoy
- Why is personal development an important aspect of life for students of all ages
- At what age should young people start exploring personal growth, as well as, how does personal development help them with other aspects of their life
- pointer regarding skills that could help anyone improve their performance, attitude or quality of life
Resources
The Growth Times Infinity Podcast
growthxinfinity.buzzsprout.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
This is part 2 part of a 2 part series regarding the life lessons youth can learn throuigh sports. Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, their families, and communities. According to a study conducted by health.gov, 73 percent of parents believe that sports benefit their child’s mental health, lowers their depression and creates higher self-esteem and confidence in their children. This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast features Joseph Harris the II who is the Founder of Illusion Institute Basketballbased in Houston, Texas.
During this podcast you will learn about the following:
- The role sports can play in a young person’s life
- The types of life lessons youth s can learn when they participate in sports
- How parents can support students to prepair for post seconday learning
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is part 1 of a 2 part series regarding the life lessons youth can learn throuigh sports. Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, their families, and communities. According to a study conducted by health.gov, 73 percent of parents believe that sports benefit their child’s mental health, lowers their depression and creates higher self-esteem and confidence in their children. This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast features Joseph Harris the II who is the Founder of Illusion Institute Basketballbased in Houston, Texas.
During this podcast you will learn about the following:
- The role sports can play in a young person’s life
- The types of life lessons youth s can learn when they participate in sports
- Why is an understanding of illusions important
- What is the scholarship blue print and why is it a valuable tool for student athletes and their parents
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are happy to feature a Houston area program Girls on the Run. Girls on the run as the name implies involves girls’ physical fitness but a whole lot more. The program provides Girls of all abilities learn the opportunity to embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. To tell us more about this amazing program is Mary Callahan CEO
During this episode you will learn more regarding the following:
- When was the organization established as well as its mission and purpose
- If Girls on the run is a local or national program
- Other aspect of the program beyond just teaching girls how to run
- Now you have programs for girls in grades 3-5 and 6-8 are there major differences between the two age groups
- Activities which encourage parents to be involved with their daughters
Resources
Girls on the Run
Girlsontherun.org
Mike Wilson
Mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
HCDE-texas.org
CASE for Kids
hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are previewing episode 119 of the Making After School Cool Podcast which features a Houston area program, Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run provides more than physical fitness but works with girls mental and social development. The program provides girls of all abilities the opportunity to embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. To tell us more about this amazing program is Mary Callahan CEO of Girls on the Run
As always, I want to thank our listeners for joining me today for this preview as we highlight Girls on the Run. Please join me for this episode and future episodes as we continue to explore issues relevant to the out of school time filed
Welcome to episode 118 of the Making After School Cool podcast which features my conversation with Dr. Maiysha Clairborne in honor of mental Health Awareness month. For the past 70 years, the month of May has been dedicated to raising mental health awareness and is widely celebrated as Mental Health Awareness Month. Organizations like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Mental Health America, and NAMI take this time to spread knowledge and fight stigmas surrounding mental health and well-being.
Guest
Dr. Clairborne is an author, TEDx Speaker, Podcast host of The Black Mind Garden Podcast , a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Hypnosis and the founder of the Mind Re-Mapping Academy
Resource
Dr. Clairborne
drmaiysha.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Today we are going to preview episode 118 of the Making After School Cool podcast which features my conversation with Maiysha Clairborne in honor of mental Health Awareness month. For the past 70 years, the month of May has been dedicated to raising mental health awareness. And is widely celebrated as Mental Health Awareness Month. Organizations like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Mental Health America, and NAMI take this time to spread knowledge and fight stigmas surrounding mental health and well-being.
Guest
Dr. Clairborne is an author, TEDx Speaker, Podcast host of The Black Mind Garden Podcast , a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Hypnosis and the founder of the Mind Re-Mapping Academy
Resource
Dr. Clairborne
www.drmaiysha.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
This is a perview of EP 117 which focuses on mpowering parents to support the educational needs of their children. My guest are Azelia O’Neal and Jesus Urdiales who are Family Engagement Specialist supporting CASE for Kids 21st Century Community Center Campuses.
This is the first episode of a new series I’m developing regarding the advice adults in our community would give to their younger self. We’ve often heard the phrase, “If I had the chance to do it over again I would…” Of course that is not possible but in this series I give professionals the opportunity to share their life experiences with the next generation.
My guest today is Leonard Tolliver. Mr. Toliver.is a husband, father and works in the financial industry.
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- Background info about yourself (what are you doing now),
- As a kid what were things you were interested in, what and who were major influence in your life
- Tolliver’s perceptions of today’s youth, and the potential he see for the next generation
- What advice would he give youth regarding preparing for the future?
- What would he say to kids regarding the importance of developing and maintain a positive mindset
- How important is it to surround yourself with positive people and if you have trouble finding those types of folks what are other ways to get positive affirmations.
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are previewing my interview with Leonard Tolliver as part of a new series I am developing regarding the advice adults in our community would give to their younger self. We’ve often heard the phrase, “If I had the chance to do it over again I would…" Of course, that is not possible but, in this series, I give professionals the opportunity to share their life experiences with the next generation. Mr. Toliver.is a husband, father and works in the financial industry.
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features students enrolled in the Chavez High School 21st Century Community Learning Center program under the supervision of Ms. Keanda Fuller. This episode highlights the work of students who produced their own podcast episode entitled “The Teenage Life.” This is a project-based learning activity that is coordinated by Maria Perez.
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- The viewpoints of teenagers regarding adults in their lives
- A teenage female’s perspective of the difference between how her parents’ treatment and expectations of their daughters compared to their sons.
- A teenage male’s perspective of the difference between how of her parent’s treatment and expectations of their daughters compared to their sons.
- How teenagers feel they will treat their children
Guest
Chavez High School students Gloria Jandres, Mariana Reyes Contreras. Romeo Vigil , Liliana Nava, and Troy Bennatte
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today's preview episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features students enrolled in the Chavez High School 21st Century Community Learning Center program; under the supervision of Ms. Keanda Fuller. This preview highlights the work of students who produced their own podcast episode entitled “The Teenage Life.” Their episode was written, produced and hosted by Gloria Jandres, Mariana Reyes Contreras. Romeo Vigil , Liliana Nava, and Troy Bennatte. This is a project-based learning activity that was coordinated by Maria Prez.
This is episode 115 of the Making After School Cool podcast which focuses on the importance of secondary students learning job skills prior to entering the workforce. So how do students with limited job experience learn the necessary skills to be good employees. One such organization with the mission of assisting student prepare for the labor force is Workfaith. Workfaith offers per-employment mentorships to secondary students in Houston Texas. To speak in strategies which help those in need access employment is Kalon Collins.
During this episode you will learn about the following:
- Information regarding Workfath, it’s purpose and services
- Benefits for youth who take advantage of career counseling
- Times services are available to students
- When it comes to networking how a student’s personality can have an advantage over others
- Advice for youth regarding how to determine the best people to use as a personal reference
Guest
“Kalon is a Partnership Specialist at Workfaith by providing faith-based training and coaching for anyone who desires long-term employment at no cost. In his role, he seeks out partnerships to impact and support the organizations missions through collaboration.
Kalon has over 12 years of working in the Non-Profit industry and had the pleasure of serving multiple leadership roles with the Chick-Fil-A corporation. He has been a full time minister and Pastor at a few churches and believed God has called him to serve WorkFaith. Kalon is married and the father of a new born son.
Resources
Kalon Collins
kcollins@workfaith.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 115 which focuses on the importance of secondary students learning job skills prior to entering the workforce. So how do students with limited job experience learn the necessary skills to be good employees. One such organization with the mission of assisting student prepare for the labor force is Workfaith. Workfaith offers per-employment mentorships to secondary students in Houston Texas. To speak in strategies which help those in need access employment is Kalon Collins.
“Kalon is a Partnership Specialist at Workfaith by providing faith-based training and coaching for anyone who desires long-term employment at no cost. In his role, he seeks out partnerships to impact and support the organizations missions through collaboration.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to depend on virtual communication. Since that time the emergence of online conferencing systems, such as Zoom and Google Meet, allows students to join online classrooms at a time most convenient for them. According to Barbra Lockee, The impact of virtual instruction could permanently change how education is delivered. Therefore, Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast centers on recognizing virtual academic enhancement services available to youth and features Mary Davis-Baumann with Levy’s Tutorial and Enrichment Center.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- The history of Levy’s Tutorial and Enrichment Center, and the organization's purpose .
- What makes Levy’s Tutorial and Enrichment Center different from other forms of academic enhancement services?
- THe age group and subject areas they provide academic support?
- THe types ofervices available for adults as well as students with learning disabilities?
Guest
In the area of academia, Mary has conducted classroom instructions to students in elementary school, middle school, and in high school. She has assisted students in mastering English course objectives at the college level. Additionally, she has tutored in public schools and have successfully met their schools' testing guidelines, as well as, state and federal testing guidelines. In fact, the learning strategies and techniques Mary teaches in tutoring sessions can certainly be applied in the student's classroom and in the student's personal lives.
Resources
Levy’s Tutorial and Enrichment Center
www.student-focusedtutoringcenter.com]
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a periew of episode 114 of the Making After School Cool podcast. This episode centers on recognizing academic enhancement services available to youth and features Mary Davis-Baumann with Levy’s Tutorial and Enrichment Center. The learning strategies and techniques Mary teaches in tutoring sessions can be applied in the student's classroom and in the student's personal lives.
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features my discussion with AJ Crabill concerning engaging educational leaders, school board members and community stake holders to focus on improving student outcomes regarding.
During this podcast you will learn more regarding the following:
- What inspired Mr. Crabill passion for educational issues and reform?
- What Mr. Crabill means when he states “student outcomes don’t change until adult behavior change”.
- Crabill’s description of the role of school boards and who he thinks think would make excellent members?
- What is the difference Between Being a Board Focused on Student Outcomes vs Adult Inputs?
- What are the four types of ineffective School Board styles versus the most effective School Boards?
- Who should read his book “Great On Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective”
Guest
AJ Crabill is an education reform advocate and public speaker on education reform. He currently serves as the national school board governance leader at the Council of the Great City Schools. Prior to this position, he was Texas Education Agency's Deputy Commissioner for Governance. Crabill served eight years (2008–2016) on the board of the Kansas City Public Schools, serving as president for a majority of his tenure.
In April 2016, the new Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath appointed Crabill as one of his Deputy Commissioners. In his role, Crabill developed and frequently facilitates leadership and governance training sessions to educate current and potential school administrators and board members on how to better execute the responsibilities of their positions. He was in charge of the agency's efforts to improve schools and ensure accreditation. Crabill, frequently states, his main focus is "improving student outcomes".
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 115 where I discuss with AJ Crabill the importance of engaging educational leaders, school board members and community stake holders to focus on improving student outcomes. Mr. Crabill is an education reform advocate and public speaker on education reform. In 2016, the Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath appointed Crabill as a Deputy Commissioner responsible for developing and facilitating leadership and governance training sessions to educate school administrators and board members on how to better execute the responsibilities of their positions
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features my discussion with Dr. Christine Phares regarding Young Audiences of Houston is collaboration with schools to make safe spaces for students for social emotional learning. The topic of this episode highlights spaces for students to access when they are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or another extreme negative emotional outburst.
During this podcast you will learn about the following:
- Information regarding the Self Care Labs, how it works, and how long as it been in existence.
- The steps for establishing a Self-Care Lab site
- The best way for anyone who would like to get more information regarding the Self Care Labs or have access to resources?
- Data on the benefits to the students
Guest
Dr. Christine Phares currently serves as the Program Director for Young Audiences of Houston, supporting programs across more than two hundred site partnerships, overseeing 184 teaching artists, and leading the YAH Education Committee. Prior to joining Young Audiences, Christine has worked as an Educator in public and independent schools, an Education Consultant, and with the Metropolitan Opera Guild.
Christine also holds experience as an opera singer and has performed with The Miami Music Festival, Rockwall Symphony, UNT Opera, Lamar Opera, and the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and education and a doctorate in education.
Published research includes a study on classroom management and gender with additional research on the impact of Music Education on Texas Standardized Test Scores.
Christine is the recipient of the Harris County Department of Education Spirit of Excellence Award – Community Connection Champion, has recently served as a panelist on pathways for diversifying teaching artist networks at the Arts & Action Conference, serves as a Grant Panelist for Texas Commission on the Arts and Houston Arts Alliance, and volunteers on the Scholarship Review Committee with Greater Houston Community Foundation.
Resources
Dr. Christen Phares
christine@yahouston.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Welcome to the Making After-School Cool Podcast, the link between research, practice, and theory for those interested in the activity’s youth are involved with during non-school hours. The Making After-School Cool Podcast is produced by Case for Kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education and I'm your host, Mike Wilson
Today is a preview of episode 114 of the Making After School Cool podcast and features my discussion with Dr. Christine Phares regarding how Young Audiences of Houston is collaborating with schools and OST professionals to make safe spaces for students with and emphasis of social emotional learning. A few suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) Schools can use a variety of strategies to help students improve their emotional well-being and connectedness with others. Thus, the topic of this upcoming episode highlights spaces for students to access when they are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or another extreme negative emotional outburst.
Ep113: Teaching Youth to Dress for Success featuring Michael Williams with Ties Required Plus
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on the importance of youth knowing how to dress for success and features my conversation with Mr. Michael Williams, founder of Ties Required plus
Proper etiquette and the way an individual dress communicates what kind of person they are to other people. Their behavior and appearance reflect what kind of character they have, and people take notice of it.
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- Why is important for young men to be aware that how they present themselves can either expand or limit their opportunities?
- How business wear can be a form of self-expression
- What are the basic items of dress needed for a job interview
- The importance of the color of the clothes you wear when trying to impress other.
- Why is knowledge of etiquette important.
Guest
Michael Williams founder of Ties Required Plus, has over 25 years’ experience in the retail men’s clothing industry. He helped countless men, suiting up for successful interviews as well as helped them with key interviewing techniques that allow them to highlight their job skills and personal attributes. Additionally, Mr. Williams has authored 3 books, How to Win in the Game of Dress for Success, Would You Hire Me? And If You Want a Job Done Right, Hire a Woman, and also produced a DVD entitled How to Tie a Tie (5 knots in 15 min.). He currently presents to youth and adults in churches, schools and non-profit community groups.
Resources
Michael Williams
michael@tiesrequiredplus.com
Ties Required Plus
Professional Etiquette | Tiesrequiredplus
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 113 the Making After School Cool podcast which focuses on the importance of youth knowing how to dress for success and features my conversation with Mr. Michael Williams, founder of Ties Required Plus.
Understanding what is expected for various environments can help people avoid embarrassing situations. But there's more to it than knowing the correct way to sit at a formal function. It really comes down to relationships between people.
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast tackles the subject of discussing body diversity with youth and features my conversation with Pam Luk, Founder at Ember & Ace. The perceptions of body image changes when kids go through puberty, is shaped by the media, and what others say about beauty standards. During this time in their lives youth need educators, parents and other adults in their lives to do things to help support a child's healthy body image.
During this Podcast you will learn more about the following:
- Advice parents can give to youth regarding how they could help kids love their bodies.
- Why is it important for parents to be aware of how they speak around youth regarding beauty standards and body types?
- Why is it important to use the term body diversity to when discussing how people come in all shapes and sizes
- Why it is important for parents and other caring adults to have small conversations with youth concerning different body types as well as listen to kids concerns regarding the issues.
Guest
Pam Luk, Founder at Ember & Ace. In 2021, Pam left behind the world of tech product management to start a new athletic clothing line specifically for bigger-bodied kids. Ember & Ace is an athletic wear brand designed exclusively for plus size kids.
Resources
Pamela Luk
pluk@emberandace.com
Ember and Ace
emberandace.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 112 of the Making After School Cool podcast which will tackle the subject of discussing Body Diversity with Youth. The perceptions of body image grow over time. It changes when kids go through puberty and shaped by the media and what others say about beauty standards. During this time in their life’s youth need educators, parents and other adults to help support a child's healthy body image.
Therefor this upcoming episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features my conversation with Pam Luk, founder of Ember and Ace.
Welcome back for part 2 of my 2-part interview with my guest Julia Gabor and Michelle Pina with Kid- Grit. During this episode you will hear our ongoing discussion concerning the importance of students being resilient and having grit. This is a continuation of our previous interview so it is already in progress.
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- How do parents and educators teach students patience and a strong work ethic
- Services available to adults, which compliments the training given to students
- How the skills present in kid-grit are transferable to the corporate sector
Guest
Julia Gabor is an award-winning educator and national speaker. She is the co-founder of kid-grit. kid-grit supports students (PK-12) with curriculum and workshops and supports educators with evidence based professional development and coaching. Currently, kid-grit is expanding into corporate learning space in partnership with Academic Solutions Group. She designs, trains, and facilitates workshops for educators, small businesses, mentor programs and students. Julia has been teaching/leading groups since she was a teenager working alongside her mother, who is a master acting teacher, and coach in the USA and Europe.
Michelle Pena education background began as a toddler accompanying her mom to college classes, helping her set up her elementary classrooms, and eventually as a substitute teacher while her mom was a middle school principal. Michelle’s professional career launched as middle school teacher and quickly evolved into administrative roles. Her experiences include professional development coordinator, program evaluator, federal grant director, and out-of-school time program director for school districts. She has over 15 years of experience in leading and starting up self-funded OST programs for school districts and 25 years in education management. More recently, Michelle has worked as a consultant, with out-of-school time organizations, technology companies and various non-profits in the areas of business development, strategic and sustainability planning, professional development, curriculum design and grant writing.
Resources
kid-grit
www.kid-grit.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is part one of a two part series of episodes which features a conversation I had with my guest Julia Gabor and Michelle Pina with kid- grit as we discuss the importance of students being resilient and having grit. Talent alone is not always what makes individuals succeed. People seldom achieve their goals without effort. That is why grit is essential element for success.
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- Their inspiration for providing resources and trainings designed to empowers students and educators
- Their definition of grit and why is it important for youth to have it
- What is kid-grit, when was it developed, it purposes and target groups
- How do parents and educators teach students patience and a strong work ethic
- Services available to adults, which compliments the training given to students
- How the skills present in kid-grit are transferable to the corporate sector
Guest
Julia Gabor is an award-winning educator and national speaker. She is the co-founder of kid-grit. kid-grit supports students (PK-12) with curriculum and workshops and supports educators with evidence based professional development and coaching. Currently, kid-grit is expanding into corporate learning space in partnership with Academic Solutions Group. She designs, trains and facilitates workshops for educators, small businesses, mentor programs and students. Julia has been teaching/leading groups since she was a teenager working alongside her mother, who is a master acting teacher, and coach in the USA and Europe.
Michelle Pena education background began as a toddler accompanying her mom to college classes, helping her set up her elementary classrooms, and eventually as a substitute teacher while her mom was a middle school principal. Michelle’s professional career launched as middle school teacher and quickly evolved into administrative roles. Her experiences include professional development coordinator, program evaluator, federal grant director, and out-of-school time program director for school districts. She has over 15 years of experience in leading and starting up self-funded OST programs for school districts and 25 years in education management. More recently, Michelle has worked as a consultant, with out-of-school time organizations, technology companies and various non-profits in the areas of business development, strategic and sustainability planning, professional development, curriculum design and grant writing.
Resources
kid-grit
www.kid-grit.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Talent alone is not always what makes individuals succeed. People seldom achieve their goals without effort. That’s why grit is essential element for success. This a preview of a two part series of episodes featuring a conversation with my guest Julia Gabor and Michelle Pina with Kid- Grit as we discuss the importance of students being resilient and having grit.
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast centers on the positive influence a role model can have on youth. According to Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell by the time children become adolescents, they should be able to separate the positive and negative behaviors of the people they admire. This episode features my conversation with Juliet Stipeche, a true role model for countless people in the Houston Area.
Guest
In 2010, Juliet Stipeche wished to serve her community and support public education and was elected to the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Education as the Trustee of District 8. During her tenure, she served as Chairperson of HISD’s Audit Committee for three years, pushed for administrative and educational reform, and was elected by her peers to serve as the Board President.
In 2013, Juliet joined Rice University as the Associate Director for the Richard Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity. In 2016, Mayor Sylvester Turner selected Ms. Stipeche to serve as the Director of Education for the Mayor’s Office of Education (MOE), a new position and office within the mayor’s administration. She developed a new office focused on educational equity and opportunity for all ages in Houston by promoting city-wide collaboration, communication, and coordination. Juliet worked on education and workforce issues from cradle to career and developed city-wide programs from Hire Houston Youth to Be Well, Be Connected.
She currently serves as Director of Human Services, leading the Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions, and the Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging, and Aging and Disability Resource Center programs. Juliet has a long and distinguish history of developing creative programs and collaborations to support educational and workforce efforts for her community.
Resources
Juliet Stipeche
juliet.stipeche@wrksolutions.net
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Today’s preview episode of the Making After School Cool podcast centers on the positive influence a role model can have on youth. According to Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell by the time children become adolescents, they should be able to separate the positive and negative behaviors of the people they admire. During this preview I will be highlighting and speaking with Juliet Stipeche. A true role model for countless people in the Houston Area.
Today’s preview episode of the Making After School Cool podcast centers on the positive influence a role model can have on youth. According to Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell by the time children become adolescents, they should be able to separate the positive and negative behaviors of the people they admire. During this preview I will be highlighting and speaking with Juliet Stipeche. A true role model for countless people in the Houston Area.
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on helping teens face complex issues in their lives.
The transition from childhood to teenager can sometimes be difficult for parents and the teens alike. To address adolescent dilemmas and challenges, is my guest Mr. Kevin Price,
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- Best practices to equip youth with the aptitude to handle the various societal issues
- Resources for educators, parents, and youth serving institutions to help youth address their concerns
- Information regarding FACS purpose, services, and how long as it been in existence
- A summary of the different e-courses available through FACS
Guest
Mr. Price retired from Aldines ISD as a twenty-one year veteran educator with a solid history of successfully supporting students by facilitating discussions groups, pro-social activities, intervention strategies and discipline management techniques that enhanced his student success.Mr. Price is a former pastor, youth minister and instructor at Lone Star College, He has been recognized by Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporate as 1 of 4 Top Educators in Houston, he’s been a Campus Educator of the Year at Aldine Ninth Grade School; Co-Creator of the Aldine Male Initiative Program: Co-Authored FACS Youth Intervention Series and Authored “Education in America; Together, We Can Put It Back on Track.
Resources
Kevin Price
krprice@facsprogram.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 109 of the Making After School Cool podcast. The topic focuses on situations teenagers face that without the proper guidance from a caring adult, their concerns can become problematic.
To address these dilemmas, will be my guest Mr. Kevin Price. Mr. Price retired from Aldines ISD as a twenty-one year veteran educator with a solid history of successfully supporting students by facilitating discussions groups, pro-social activities, intervention strategies and discipline management techniques that enhanced his student success.
Where do students go when they are at school and experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or extreme negative emotional outburst? To address this concern and help youth process their emotional wellbeing, many schools are starting to reserve a designated room on campus for students, where they can process any negative emotions. Therefore, the topic of this episode of the Making After School Cool podcast highlights steps HISD as implemented to address the social and emotional needs of students.
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- The Social and Emotional Learning department with HISD, its purpose, services, and how long as it been in existence
- How the mental and social needs of students have changed Changes in the mental and social needs of students
- HISD implementation of Thinker Rooms and how and when do students access it
- Resources available for school faculty to address their mental health, or plans to meet their needs
Guest
Ms. Megan Young is the SEL Counselor & Thinkery Initiative Coordinator for HISD Social and Emotional Learning Department
Resources
Megan Young
Meagan.Young@houstonisd.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview episode 108 of the Making After School Cool podcast highlighting services provided by HISD Social Emotional Learning department. According to a survey administered to 334 students, by Bear Facts Student Media Group in 2021, approximately 85% of students surveyed report they feel anxiety during the school day. To discuss this issue and efforts in place in the Houston Independent School district regarding the emotional needs of students is my guest today, Ms. Megan Young. Meagan is the SEL Counselor & Thinkery Initiative Coordinator, for HISD Social and Emotional Learning Department
Today’s episode of the Making After School podcast highlights National Bullying prevention month. National Bullying Prevention month started in October 2006, when numerous educational and parental groups collaborated to sponsor community events and activities to raise awareness of the issue of bullying throughout the month. Currently, the National leading anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens in the is Stomp out bullying. And I have the pleasure of discussing Bullying prevention with Ms. Ross Ellis, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of STOMP Out Bullying.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- Different forms of bullying
- What are some signs of a child or groups of students who are being bullying
- What could be done if you suspect a child is a victim of bullying
- Information regarding the Organization STOMP Out Bullying
Guest
Ross Ellis has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and corporate sector and has been a child advocate for more than two decades. She educates on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism, and hatred, and deterring violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. Additionally, she educates parents about the safety of their children. In 2005, Ross founded STOMP Out Bullying, the leading national bullying and cyberbullying prevention nonprofit for kids and teens in the U.S. STOMP Out Bullying has since become the most influential anti-bullying organization in the country.
Resources
Ross Ellis
info@stompoutbullying.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This preview of episode 107 of the Making After School podcast highlights National Bullying prevention month. National Bullying Prevention month started in October 2006; when numerous educational and parental groups collaborated to sponsor community events and activities to raise awareness of the issue of bullying throughout the month. Currently, the Nation’s leading anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens is STOMP Out Bullying. In this preview I have the pleasure of discussing bullying prevention with Ms. Ross Ellis, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of STOMP Out Bullying.
It’s that time again when we put a spotlight on after school programs and services with the Lights on After School Celebration. Recognized on the third Thursday in October, Lights On Afterschool was launched in October 2000 and today more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool rallies are held annually, attracting millions of Americans and media coverage nationwide. Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. So, this episode of the making after school cool podcast features the opinions of OST professions commenting on why it is important to have after school and out of school time services available in our community. The following is what they had to say.
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast is the second part of a two-part series which highlights our CASE for Kids Case Debate project. It features my conversation with Jimi Morales, the Project Coordinator for Case Debates. CASE Debates is funded by Harris County Department of Education, and involves a collaboration between CASE for Kids and the Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL).
During this podcast you will learn more about:
- The tradition of debate teams in Texas schools
- Plans for the future Of CASE Debate
- Upcoming tournaments, seminars, or special events
Guest
Jimi Morales is currently the Project Coordinator for Case Debates with Harris County Department of Education. He has taught or coached students in debate all over the country including being the Assistant Director of Debate at the Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, New York, and Senior Head Coach at Silicon Valley Urban Debate League in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, Jimi is a classically trained keyboardist playing and recording with number groups of artists.
Resources
Jimi Morales
Jimi.Morales@hcde-texas.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast is the first part of a two-part series which highlights our CASE for Kids Case Debate project . It features my conversation with Jimi Morales, the Project Coordinator for Case Debates. CASE Debates funded by Harris County Department of Education, is a collaboration between CASE for Kids and the Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL). Although this is a free program for students, participants receive training in different formats of debate, and meet other like-minded students locally and nationally.
During this podcast you will learn more about:
- What can create interest in debate
- What it is like to be on a debate team and participate in tournaments
- The different types of debating formats.
- What are some benefits for students participating in debate
Guest
Jimi Morales is currently the Project Coordinator for Case Debates with Harris County Department of Education. He has taught or coached students in debate all over the country including being the Assistant Director of Debate at the Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, New York, and Senior Head Coach at Silicon Valley Urban Debate League in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, Jimi is a classically trained keyboardist playing and recording with number groups of artists.
Resources
Jimi Morales
Jimi.Morales@hcde-texas.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features the initial experiences of Out of School time professionals during initial stages of the COVID pandemic. During this time of uncertainty, many Out of School time professionals had questions regarding COVID, as well as how to provide safe services for the youth. To learn about the adaptation’s programs had to make, Ms. Helen Spencer conducted interviews with leaders working in the after-school field. These professionals discussed their difficulties to continue services during this time, the importance of trusting collaborative partners, and the lesson they learned during the pandemic
During the episode you will learn about:
- Why was access to quality after school services important during the initial and ongoing stages of the COVID pandemic
- What adaptations organizations had to implement in their service delivery
- How were limited English-speaking student populations impacted when services that addressed their needs were reduced
- What were lessons organizations learned because of COVID
Guest
Ms. Spencer is currently a doctoral student and research assistant at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. Her study includes researching contextual factors such as school support that promote adolescent wellbeing in complex families. She is a former journalist, who previously served as HCDE’s Chief Information Officer, supporting Technology and Communications. In this role, she became familiar with Out of School Time field including providing support for the mission of CASE for Kids to increase equitable access to youth services. Helen received her Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, and has a daughter, who is also a student at the University of Houston, a stepdaughter, and two stepsons. She and her partner currently live in Houston TX
Resources
Helen Spencer
helencspencer@gmail.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode # 103 of the Making after school cool podcast. During this preview you will hear my conversation with Helen Spencer, who is a doctoral student with the University of Houston. Ms. Spencer discussed her work concerning the experiences of Out of School time professional during the peak of COVID 19. During her interviews, she heard personnel working in the after-school field describe their difficulties during this unprecedented time, their trusting of collaborative partners and the lesson they learned during the pandemic
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features a discussion with Dr. Deborah Appleman, professor at Carleton College and author of the recently published book Literature and the New Cultural Wars. We examine the challenges those who write and teach secondary literature face in today’s current climate of scrutiny and disagreement.
During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
- Why literature such an important subject matter for students to study
- Factors which have made it more complicated to teach literature, and other subject dealing with historical time periods
- Why cultural representation and diversity is needed in literary works
- How the current climate of divisive opinions has altered the way educators must currently teach
- How limiting literary work available to students can hamper their educational, social, and emotional development
Guest
Deborah Appleman previously taught high school English for nine years before receiving her doctorate from the University of Minnesota. She has also been a visiting professor at Syracuse University and at the University of California, Berkeley. Currently Professor Appleman is the Hollis L. Caswell professor of educational studies and director of the Summer Writing Program at Carleton College. Her recent research has focused on teaching college-level language and literature courses at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater for inmates who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education. She is the author or co-author of more than a dozen books on literacy instruction.
Resources
Dr. Deborah Appleman
deborahappleman.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode # 102 of the Making after school cool podcast. During this preview you will hear a discussion I had Dr. Deborah Appleman, professor of educational studies at Carleton College, regarding the difficulty of teaching Literature in today’s current state of divisiveness and politics. Dr. Appleman is the author of the recently published book Literature and the New Cultural Wars, where she offers educators solutions to how to address the complications which might arise teaching literature, as well as other field of studying dealing with historical time periods.
This episode of the Making after School Cool podcast focuses on Spotivity. Spotivity is an interactive search, mapping, and education app that helps students and parents make the best decisions about their after-school activities. To discuss Spotivity is its founder Montana Butsch.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- Why are extracurricular and after school activities beneficial to secondary students
- Why is it important for school counselors and administrators to have knowledge of what students are engaged in during non-school hours.
- How can the lack of awareness of the variety, and number of activities available to students, hamper their educational, social, and emotional development?
- An overview of Spotivity and how it benefits students, parents, school administrators and providers
Guest
Montana Butsch is the Founder of Spotivity. Spotivity supports after school programs to increase enrollment and participation rates but also enables kids and their parents to make the best decisions about how to best use their time outside of school hours. Prior to Spotivity Montana Butsch was the founder and CEO of major sports non-profit organization which has served thousands of inner-city children in Chicago and who has formed extensive ties with Chicago business, philanthropy, and government leaders.
Resources
Spotivity
www.spotivity.com
Montana Butsch
montanabutsch@gmail.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are previewing episode 101 of the Making After School Cool podcase which highlights Spotivity, a one-stop online site that connects and tracks secondary students’ participation in after school activities. Spotivity supports after school programs to increase enrollment and participation rates but also enables kids and their parents to make the best decisions about how to best use their time outside of school hours.
This is our 100th full episode of the Making after School Cool podcast and I am excited to have colleagues of CASE for Kids to share in the impressive achievement. The topic of today’s episode focusing on the startup of after schools’ programs as we begin a new school year. According to the According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the more positive outlets students have at school the better they will feel about the campus.
During this episode you will learn about:
- What inspired professionals to work in the out of school time field
- Why are after school programs important for youth and their parents .
- What the most exciting part this program year
Guest
Chuntania Moore, and Melvin Mead, Regional Site Coordinators of Campus-based Afterschool Programs :Gabby Sams and Maria Adeoti, After School Program Coordinators and Monique Smith, Project Direct of 21st Century Cycle 10 campuses.
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features a discussion concerning students’ self-esteem. The way students see themselves as it pertains to the world around them will influence how they feel and respond in different situations. Self-esteem includes a person’s level of confidence, security, sense of belonging and competence level.
To discuss resources to address students’ self-esteem is my guest today is Margo Jordan, CEO, and founder of Enrichly.
During this podcast you will learn more about:
- What low self-esteem looks like
- What impact does students’ perceptions of themselves have on their social skills, as well as their academic performance
- Why is important to have resources available to help address mental health and self esteem
- How can parents, school districts, and after school programs can Enrichly
Guest
Margo Jordan is a U.S. Army veteran and CEO and founder of Enrichly, an online platform which provides educators, out school professionals and parents with resources to build positive self-esteem in youth and empowerment programs geared towards young people.
Resources
Enrichly Self-Esteem Base E-Learning
www.enrich.ly
Margo Jordan
margob@youthenrichments.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are previewing episode 99 of the Making After School Cool podcase which features a discussion regarding students’ self-esteem. Youths’ self-esteem relates to the way students see themselves as it pertains to the world around them and how they respond in different situations. Self-esteem includes a person’s level of confidence, security, sense of belonging and competence level.
To discuss resources that help to build students’ self-esteem, will be my guest Margo Jordan, CEO and founder of Enrichly, an online platform which provides educators, out school professionals and parents with resources to build positive self-esteem in youth.
Attracting young adults to work with programs supporting youth is important yet can sometimes be difficult to achieve. However, when agencies can identify and engages young adults to play a role in the coordination of youth services then the benefits can be positive, and the programs become more appealing to school aged students. Therefore, this episode of Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the importance of young adults, working with youth initiatives. To speak on this topic is Ms. Fernanda Marrero who is the Program Manager for the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Education
During this podcast you will learn more regarding the following:
- The educational journey of a first-generation college graduate?
- Why is it important to have initiatives targeting girls for STEM type careers?
- Information concerning the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Education particularly the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights?
- Why is it important for young adults be involved in youth related issues?
Guest
My guest today is Ms. Fernanda Marrero who is the Program Manager for the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Education. Fernanda is a first-generation college graduate of the University of Houston, and a certified teacher through the teachHOUSTON program. She is currently working on her master’s in education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Fernanda has a passion for making STEM more accessible to underrepresented groups and has worked with programs which makes computer science education accessible to all students.
Resources
Fernanda Marrero
Fernanda.Marrero@HoustonTX.gov
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Attracting young adults to work with programs supporting youth is important yet can sometimes be difficult to achieve. However, when agencies can identify and engages young adults to play a role in the coordination of youth services then the benefits can be positive, and the programs become more appealing to school aged students. Therefore, this preview episode 98 of Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the importance of young adults, working with youth initiatives. To speak on this topic is Ms. Fernanda Marrero who is the Program Manager for the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Education
There are certain characteristics which are often assigned to leaders; however, the most common trait is their ability to move others towards the direction of accomplishing a task. Episode 97 of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on creating a culture of leadership. During this installment, I will be discussing, with my guest Pete Hall, elements concerning leaders and leadership qualities
During this episode you will learn more about:
- Are some people born with natural leadership skills?
- What are the differences between the skills needed for educational leadership compared to the type of leadership skills need in other fields
- What are the differences between developing leadership skills in kids versus building leadership abilities for adults?
- How important is it for people in leadership positions to be honest regarding their emotional state as well as delegate things to others
Guest
Mr. Pete Hall served 12 years as a principal in three Title I schools. Under his leadership, each of the schools earned awards for academic performance, growth, and student achievement.
His written works include authoring over twenty articles on leadership and publishing eleven books. Pete has worked as a personal consultant, mentor, and motivational coach. He is currently working on his 12th book, Always Strive to Be a Better You: How ordinary people can live extraordinary lives.
Resources
Pete Hall
petehall@edcationhall.com
chasingtheshow.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
There are certain characteristics which are often assigned to leaders; however, the most common trait is their ability to move others towards the direction of accomplishing a task. Therefor this preview of Episode 97 of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on creating a culture of leadership. During this installment, I will be discussing, with my guest Pete Hall, elements concerning leaders and leadership qualities
Teenagers can be a particularly challenging age group to work with and educate. Studies have shown that this age group thrives best in a nurturing environment. By keeping pre-teens and teenagers’ brain active will strengthen the neural pathways that are vital for long-term learning. To discuss the topic of teaching the adolescent brain is my guest Dr. Lori Desautels
During this episode you will learn more about the following:
- How educators can use clips from the movie “Turning Red” to explore ways the adolescence brain changes youth behavior
- Why anyone working with kids should be aware that adolescent is the second-greatest time of brain development
- How it’s extremely important that educators, working with youth, be in touch with their own emotions.
- How art play a role in helping youth express their feelings and emotions?
Guest
Dr. Lori Desautels is an assistant Professor at Butler University where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. She was also an Assistant Professor at Marian University in Indianapolis where she founded the Educational Neuroscience Symposium. Currently, the Symposium is in its eighth year, and now sponsored by Butler University College of Education.
Lori was also a behavioral consultant for Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis on the adolescent psychiatric unit where she learned that emotional and mental illness can be so challenging for youth, but the brain can repair and heal, and resilience rests at the core of human nature and our well-being.
She resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband, Michael and has three grown children, Andrew, Sarah, and Regan, and four rescue fur babies.
Resources
Dr. Lori Desautels
revelationsineducation.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
Today is a preview of episode 95 of the Making After School Cool podcast where we discuss the topic of teaching with an understanding of adolescent brain. My guest today is Dr. Lori Desautels who is an assistant professor at Butler University where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Because of her work, she has been able to attract the foremost experts in the fields of educational neuroscience, trauma, and adversity.
Today’s episode of the Making After-School Cool Podcast focuses on current issues appearing in education. As Educational practices continue to evolve, there remains the question of “are the methods we now use to educate our youth keeping pace with the educational evolution?” Research has shown that when students actively participate in lessons, they are more engaged and their academic performance increase. To discuss a few of these issues is my guest, Miriam Plotinsky.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- How much should outside influences alter what is being taught in schools?
- What are some lessons educators learned during remote teaching that could help them today?
- What are some insight school administrators gain when they also teach a class?
- What are some advantages for teachers as well as students when the simple term “What do you think” is used to discuss lessons?
- A brief description of the book, “Teach More, Hover Less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom”
Guest
Miriam Plotinsky is an author and instructional specialist who addresses challenges in both teaching and leading schools with differentiated needs. A strong advocate for student-centered learning, Miriam is widely published in Education Week, Edutopia, ASCD Express, The Teaching Channel, EdSurge, K-12 Talk and Education World. She is also a National Board-Certified Teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. Her first book, Teach More, Hover Less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom (W.W. Norton & Company, 2022), is a practical guide to a student-centered instructional approach that removes the necessity of teacher micromanagement.
Resources
Miriam Plotinsky
Miriamplotinsky.com
Teach More, Hover Less
How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom
https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324019879
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are previewing episode 95 of the Making After-School Cool Podcast which focuses on current issues appearing in education. As Educational practices continuously evolve, there remains the question of “are the methods we now use to educate our youth keeping pace with the educational evolution?” Research has shown that when students actively participate in lessons, they are more engaged and their academic performance increase.
To discuss a few of these topics is my guest, Miriam Plotinsky. Miriam is an author and instructional specialist who addresses challenges in both teaching and leading across schools with a wide range of needs. She is widely published in educational journals and her first book, Teach More, Hover Less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom , is a practical guide to a student-centered instructional approach that removes the necessity of teacher micromanagement.
In honor of the historic work they do, today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast highlights the Houston Area Urban League. As they celebrate 54 years of existence, the Houston Area Urban League advocates for and provides social services to disadvantaged people of all races, gender, age groups, and/or disabilities.
During this podcast you will learn:
- The types of services provided by the Houston Area Urban League
- The Houston Area Urban league summer initiatives designed for youth
- Challenges and rewarding moments faced by Houston Area Urban League
- Information regarding any workshops and trainings
Guest
John Robinson, is a career educator, spokesperson, and trainer for Scholastics and currently the Director of Education and Youth Development Family Support Service for the Houston Area Urban League
Resources
John Robinson
jrobinson@haul.org
Houston Area Urban League
www.haul.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This preview of episode 94 of the Making After School Cool podcast honor of the historic work of the Houston Area Urban League. As they celebrate 54 years of existence, the Houston Area Urban League advocates for and provides social services to disadvantaged people of all races, gender, age groups, and/or disabilities. To speak on services being provided by the Houston Area Urban League is today’s guest is John Robinson, Director of Education and Youth Development Family support service
There are numerous problems negatively influencing communities across the country. However, developing a strategy to address these concerns can be complex and overwhelming. Community advocacy is when a person or organization brings to light civic issues to policymakers, politicians, and the local citizenry to create change. Therefore, today’s episode of the making after school cool podcast highlights community advocacy and features the work of the Collective Agency for Youth.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- A definition of community advocacy?
- The goals of the Collective Agency for Youth the target audience e and the type of services the agency provides
- The importance for having community advocacy resources
- Examples of challenges and rewards regarding conducting youth advocacy work
Guest
Tiffany Echevarria, Tiffany is currently the Executive Director of the Collective Action for Youth. Her background includes implementation, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement for youth programming. Tiffany is an experienced facilitator who regularly brings people together to dialogue around race and diversity. In this role, she is eager to work shoulder to shoulder with youth to create better solutions for the community.
Resources
Collective Action for Youth
www.Ca4y.org
Tiffany Echevarria
tiffany.echevarria@ca4y.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are previewing Ep 93 which focuses on community advocacy and highlights the Collective Agency for Youth. There are numerous problems negatively influencing communities across the country. Community advocacy requires the collaboration of a wide range of people focused on solving social issues. In the Houston area anorganzation doing such work is the Collective Agency for Youth. To speak on community advocacy, as well as the work of the Collective Action for Youth is my guest Tiffany Echevarria, the Executive Director of the Collective Action for Youth.
The topic for this week’s episode focuses on the importance of building your networking skills. Building a network is important because it helps you locate individuals who can assist you with connecting and developing potential opportunities for success. Regarding school based after school programs, School administration, faculty members, custodians, bus drivers, local community members and parents are key targets for after school staff to network with.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- A definition of networking and why is it an important skill to master?
- How introverted and extroverted people can take advantage of their strengths when it comes to networking?
- How to identify the best people to be in your network?
- How does a person’s body language influence networking opportunities?
- How should after school staff approach networking with campus staff, parents, businesses, and neighborhood residents in the area?
Guest
Sonya Ware is the Chief Executive Officer & President at Blue Beagle Consulting based in Houston, Texas. With twenty years of professional experience, as a regional Fortune 500 leader and entrepreneur, Sonya serves as a strategic thinking and accountability partner; Prior to Blue Beagle Consulting, she worked in oil and gas technology and was a five-time award-recipient for creating the ‘right work environment’. She has coached individuals working in companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, British Petroleum, UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, United Way of Greater Houston, Pfizer, Farmers Insurance, Morgan Stanley, and Universities.
Resources
Sonya Ware
sonyaware.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of EP 92 which will focus on the importance of building networking skills. Building a network is important because it helps you locate individuals who can assist you with connecting and developing potential opportunities for success. In regards to school based after school programs, administrators, faculty members, custodians, bus drivers, local community members and parents are key targets for after school staff to network with.
To discuss the importance of networking is my guest, Ms. Sonya Ware. Ms. Ware is the Chief Executive Officer & President at Blue Beagle Consulting based in Houston, Texas.
The topic for this week’s episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast is the Influence School Connectedness has on students’ performance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who feel connected to their schools are more likely to have better academic achievement, have better attendance, and are less likely to engage in behavior that may remove them from the classroom setting. So, it should not be a surprise that there has emerged an increased awareness of how student’s feeling regarding their educational setting influence youth engagement with their schools. To discuss this issue is my guest, Helen Spencer.
During this podcast you will learn about the following:
- A working definition of Student Connectedness
- Why is Student Connectedness Important?
- How the campus environment and climate influence how students feel about their school?
- How can schools promote activities to increase student connectedness?
Guest
Helen is currently a doctoral student and research assistant at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. Her study includes researching contextual factors such as school support that promote adolescent wellbeing in complex families. She is a former journalist, who previously served as HCDE’s Chief Information Officer, supporting Technology and Communications. In this role, she became familiar with Out of School Time field including providing support for the mission of CASE for Kids to increase equitable access to youth services.
Helen received her Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, and has a daughter, who is also a student at the University of Houston, a stepdaughter, and two stepsons. She and her partner currently live in Houston TX
Resources
Helen Spencer
helencspencer@gmail.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 91 of the Making After School podcast. The topic for this upcoming episode focuses on the Influence School Connectedness has on students’ performance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who feel connected to their schools are more likely to have better academic achievement, have better attendance, and are less likely to engage in behavior that may remove them from the classroom setting. To discuss this issue is my guest, Helen Spencer.
Helen is currently a doctoral student and research assistant at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. Her study includes researching contextual factors such as school support that promote adolescent wellbeing in complex families.
Today’s episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on how the growth of after school programs have altered the way numerous students spends their out of school time. For example, not only do many after school programs hire fulltime staff, there’s also supplementary support staff which enhances afterschool program’s service delivery. In many cases this involves a collaboration between after school programs and independent service providers. To speak on how CASE for Kids is providing opportunities for service providers and community organizations to positive influence the quality of out of school time services is by guest, LaTerika "Teri" Wilson, the CASE for Kids Program Coordinator of Resources.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- A description of the CASE for Kids City Connections project
- A description of the Youth Services for Afterschool and Summer project.
- Tips for writing a successful proposal
- How can service providers access information regarding the Afterschool and Summer program RFP?
Guest
Teri Wilson is a native Houstonian who attended the University of Texas at Austin for her bachelor’s and earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University—Portland. She has over 11 years of experience working with afterschool programs holding such titles as Tutorial Teacher, Enrichment Leader, and Curriculum Specialist. Her work experience ranges from charter schools to school districts and Boys & Girls Club in suburban, urban, and rural areas. Her last 8 years were spent as an Afterschool Site Coordinator before she moved back to Houston to join the CASE for Kids family.
Resources
LaTerika "Teri" Wilson, MEd
LaTerika.Wilson@hcde-texas.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are previewing episode 90 which highlights the collaboration among after school programs, independent services providers, and community organizations. During the last four decades there has been tremendous growth in the Out of school time industry. Likewise, there has also been an increase in the number of job opportunities in the field.
Consequently, the need for collaboration between after school program sites, independent service providers has also increased. To speak on how CASE for Kids is providing opportunities for service providers and community organizations to work with after school programs is by guest, Teri Wilson, the CASE for Kids Program Coordinator of Resources.
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features installment 2 of our 2-part series focusing on the CASE for Kids, End of the Year Celebration to highlight After School Professionals Appreciation Week. As stated in the first episode of this series, Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is annually celebrated the last week of April and includes celebrations and public relations efforts to highlight and support all the afterschool professionals who make a significant difference in the lives of young people.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- What is great about the OST field?
- What motivates them to work with youth?
- Why is it important to have after school programs available in your community?
- What advice would you give anyone who wants to work with youth?
Guest
During this episode my guest will include, Brian Ervin with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Monica Lewis with the Monica Lewis School of Etiquette, Lisa Baily with Educational Solutions and Chris Cortez with Houston Healthy hip-hop.
Resources
Brian Ervin, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston
bervin@bgcgh.org
Monica Lewis, Monica Lewis School of Etiquette
info@mlsoe.com
Lisa Bailey,
Lbailey604@gmail.com
Chris Cortez, Houston Healthy Hip Hop
www.houstonhealthyhip-hop.com/contact
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are featuring the CASE for Kids, End of the Year Celebration to highlight After School Professionals Appreciation Week. Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is annually celebrated the last week of April and includes celebrations and public relations efforts to highlight and support all the afterschool professionals who make a significant difference in the lives of young people. This episode I interviewed OST professionals to learn their perceptions of the importance of after school programs.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- What is great about the OST field?
- What motivates them to work with youth?
- Why is it important to have after school programs available in your community?
- What advice would you give anyone who wants to work with youth?
Guest
My guest includes Michael Ewing, Director of Program Services with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, AnaKaren Valerio with After School to Achieve, Dr. Courtney Jones with Perfection Connection, and Telicia Fogle- Simon, with Choice Nation Academy,
Resources
Michael Ewing, Director of Program Services Boys and Girls Clubs of Houston
ewing@bgcgh.org
AnaKaren Valerio After School to Achieve,
AnaKaren@afterschooltoachieve.com
Dr. Courtney Jones Perfection Connection,
Curtney@theperfctconnection.org
Telicia Fogle- Simon, Choice Nation Academy
tfoglesimon@choicenationacademy.oeg
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episodes 88 and 89 which features CASE for Kids, End of the Year Celebration to highlight After School Professionals Appreciation Week. Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is annually celebrated the last week of April and includes celebrations and public relations efforts to highlight and support all the afterschool professionals who make a significant difference in the lives of young people.
I took advantage of our End of the Year program to interview out of school time professionals to get their perceptions of their experience working with youth during non-school hours.
My guest answered the questions including what is great about the OST field; What motivates them to work with youth; Why is it important to have after school programs available in your community; And what advice would you give anyone who wants to work with youth?
Today’s topic focuses on a project CASE for Kids is implementing. The Level Up Houston initiative provide students with the opportunity to earn digital badges for completion of an activity or task. A digital badge gives learners a method to convey their abilities in a way that is simple, trusted and can be easily validated. To discuss the Level Up Houston initiative is Mark Niles, CASE for Kids Manager of College and Career Readiness.
During this podcast you will learn the following:
- What is the Level Up Houston initiative
- What is digital badging
- How will digital badging play a role with Level up Houston
- What are the benefits for students earning a digital badge?
- What other assistance will be needed to continue the initiative’s progress.
Guest
To discuss the Level Up Houston initiative is Mark Niles, CASE for Kids Manager of College and Career Readiness. Prior to working with CASE. Mark worked with Hooson ISD for 10 years and was the Director of the Houston Urban debate league for approximately 3 years. He lives in Houston with his wife and two kids.
Resources
Mark Niles
Mark.niles@hcde-texas.org
713-696-1346
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 87 of the Making After School Cool podcast where this week’s topic focuses on The Level Up Houston initiative which will provide students with the opportunity to earn digital badges for completion of an activity or task. My guest will be Mark Niles, CASE for Kids Manager of College and Career Readiness.
If you have not before now made plans for your summer camp you are running a little late. Therefore, the topic of this week’s episode is “the time is now to finalize your ideas for a great summer program.” For the last couple of years, I’ve discussed with Kristin Miller, our summer camp expert and founder of eteachingme, to provide advice for parents concerning selecting the right summer program for their kids, as well as guidance for summer camp staff with planning a fun, safe and great summer camp
During this podcast you will learn:
- Lessons learned from dealing with COVID the last few years?
- Factors parents should look for when considering the type of summer program, they may want to enroll their children?
- What are benefits for kids when they attend summer programs?
- What are the main components summer program practitioners should include in their summer program?
- What types of training do program staff need to have access to prior to the start of their placement in a program site?
- Even though Covid numbers have decreased, what are some best practices staff should implement when hosting a summer program this year?
Guest
Kristin Miller is an author of many educational resources and has over 18 years of professional and direct experience in early education, including classroom teaching, tutoring, and presenting workshops. She is a professional curriculum writer, and self-publisher of eTeachingMe. eTeachingMe is an online early childhood curriculum for parents, and educators to use when teaching children aged 1 to 5 years old. She also has experience planning and operating summer camps and is a valuable resource for parents, and summer program staff with creating a positive summer experience for children.
Resources
Kristin Miller
www.eteachingme.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 86 of the Making After School Cool podcast the topic of this week’s episode is “the time is now to finalize your ideas for a great summer program.” If you have not already made plans for your summer program you are running a little late. Most after school programs are nearing the end of the spring semester, so site directors should be shifting their focus to their summer program
For the last couple of years, I’ve discussed topic with Kristin Miller, founder of eteachingme, to provide advice for parents concerning selecting the right summer program for their kids, as well as guidance for summer camp staff with planning a fun, safe and great summer camp. She has experience planning and operating summer camps and is a valuable resource for parents, and summer program staff with creating a positive summer experience for children.
Episode 85 of the Making After School Cool podcast centers on the growing trend of teaching students Social Emotional Learning skills. People with strong social-emotional skills are better equipped to manage daily challenges, build positive relationships, and make informed decisions. To discuss what it can look like to implement SEL skills in schools, after school programs, and at home is my guest Dr. Lorea Martinez.
During this interview you will learn:
- Why is awareness of Social Emotional Learning important
- The benefits for schools to teach social emotional learning
- The connection between students understanding of SEL and their social behavior at school?
- How to get the book Teach with the HEART in Mind, A complete educator’s guide to social emotional learning
Guest
Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez is the award-winning founder of HEART in Mind Consulting, a company dedicated to helping schools and organizations integrate Social Emotional Learning in their practices, products, and learning communities. She has worked with schools, districts, and organizations to guide SEL implementation efforts, including training teachers and leadership teams, and provided guidance to educational technology and media companies to help them integrate SEL in their products.
An educator who has worked with children and adults internationally, Dr. Martínez is a faculty member at Columbia University Teachers College, educating aspiring principals in Emotional Intelligence. She has conducted extensive research in the SEL field with a focus on SEL implementation, principals’ Emotional Intelligence, teacher preparation, and school climate. She frequently blogs about how to incorporate SEL in teaching practices, leadership, and parenting. Dr. Martínez started her career as a special education teacher and administrator. A native of the Costa Brava in Spain, she currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two daughters.
Resources
Dr. Lorea Martinez
Loreamartinez.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are going to preview episode 85 which centers on the growing trend of teaching students Social Emotional Learning skills. People with strong social-emotional skills are better equipped to manage daily challenges, build positive relationships, and make informed decisions. To discuss what it can look like to implement SEL skills in schools, after school programs, and at home is my guest Dr. Lorea Martinez. Dr. Martínez is the award-winning founder of HEART in Mind Consulting, a company dedicated to helping schools and organizations integrate Social Emotional Learning in their practices, products, and learning communities.
Today the Making After School Cool Podcast honors Women’s History Month by Highlighting the Girls Empowerment Network. Through a variety of services, the Girls Empowerment Network help girls realize they are powerful and there is nothing they can’t accomplish. To speak on today’s topic is my guest Kameryn Poullard Sampson, who is the Program Manager of the Girls Empowerment Network in Houston.
During this podcast you will learn:
- A short history of the Girl Empowerment network
- Why it is important to work with girls in the age range of 3rd grade, to 12th grade
- Are the services the Girls Empowerment Network provide hosted on school campus, community youth serving organization or, small groups
- How can people volunteer or be involved with Girls Empowerment Network
Guest
Kameryn Poullard Sampson began working with the Girls Empowerment Network a little over three years ago. However, her involvement regarding women’s issues began during her colligate undergraduate years when she was a volunteer hotline advocate for STAR, which stands for (Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response) as well as with the Iris Domestic Violence Shelter. Kameryn also was an Executive Board Member for the Minority Women’s Movement, a group in advocates and provide female students from minority communities with networking, mentoring, community service, and overall fellowship experiences on the campus of Louisiana State University campus.
Resources
The Girls Empowerment Network
https://www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org/
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are going to preview episode 84 of the making after school cool podcast. This episode honors Women’s History Month by Highlighting the Girls Empowerment Network. The Girls Empowerment Network assists girls in grades 3rd-12th realize they are powerful and there is nothing they can’t accomplish. To speak on today’s topic is my guest Kameryn Poullard Sampson, who is the Program Manager of the Girls Empowerment Network in Houston
On behalf of CASE for Kids, I want to wish everyone a great SEL day. On March 11, 2022 we here at CASE, and organizations throughout the country will be recognizing Social Emotional Learning day. So, the purpose of this podcast is to have a discussion regarding the importance of SEL. My guest is Kittra Hewitt, CASE for Kids Program Coordinator, Quality Initiatives.
During this podcast you will learn:
- How early should we start teaching children the components of social emotional learning?
- What are some benefits for schools to have students know social emotional learning skills?
- How can educators and youth workers provide positive reinforcement and affirmations when they notice their kids using SEL skills?
- In the future, how do you see youth serving institutions which implement SEL strategies to adapt o a more diverse student population?
Guest
Kittra Hewitt has over 20 years’ experience in education and is currently the CASE for Kids program coordinator Quality Initiatives. In this role she provides training, to educators and out of school professionals, not only in implementing SEL skills, but techniques to improve the quality of service delivery in after school programs.
Resource
Kittra Hewitt
khewitt@hcde-texas.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Currently, the podcast industry is growing. Therefore, to help student keep up with this growing field, CASE for Kids has launched a project-based learning activity which involves students learning how to become podcasters. So, the topic for today’s episode is the future of podcasting and the different types of professions that are emerging in the podcast industry. To discuss what the future of podcasting will look like and the different types of professions that are emerging in the podcast industry is my guest Ozeal DeBastos.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- Why have podcasting become so popular
- What Are Different Types of Podcasting Jobs
- What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Podcasting?
- What is the future for podcasting?
Guest
Ozeal is a podcaster, podcast consultant, and founder of Ozeal Media. Since the launch of his own podcast, No Permission Needed, in 2017, his show has garnered iTunes’ coveted, “New and Noteworthy” designation, as well a position on Apple’s Top 50 business podcast list and has a five-star rating, and close one million downloads. Ozeal Media is committed to helping businesses and brands create podcasts that will help their message scale globally and gain a competitive edge with voice marketing.
Resources
Ozeal DeBastos
Ozealmedia.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today is a preview of episode 82 of the Making After School Cool podcast where our topic is the future of podcasting and the different types of professions that are emerging in the podcast industry. Although podcasts have been around for nearly twenty years the format has come into its own over the last six years. To discuss what the future of podcasting will look like and the different types of professions that are emerging in the industry is my guest Ozeal DeBastos, Ozeal is a podcaster, podcast consultant, and founder of Ozeal Media.
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on the Complexity of Being A School Librarian. Lately there has been much discussion regarding a books subject matter, variety and types of books in schools and public libraries. According to Thanh Nguyen the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Sympathizer,” many books are being tarnished by so called good hearted and moralistic people who perceive the subject matter of the books to be unsettling for their children. In some cases, a trend of censorship is developing to limit books not only for a parent’s child but for all children. To discuss what it is like to be a school Liberian is my guest Reanea Wilson who is currently a librarian on an elementary campus
During this episode you will learn:
- The role of a school librarian for the students they serve.
- Recent changes in the types of books in the library, especially those dealing with history, diversity and social issues?
- The book selection process librarian uses to supply a library.
- How librarian resolve problems with parents who have an issue regarding a book their child has access to in the library
Guest
Reanea Wilson is currently a Liberian on an elementary campus. She has more than twenty years of experience as an educator. The last fourteen years has been as a librarian.
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today is a preview of episode 81 of the Making After School Cool podcast. Our topic focuses on the Complexity of Being A School Librarian. Lately there has been much discussion regarding a books subject matter, variety and types of books in schools and public libraries. According to Thanh Nguyen the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Sympathizer,” many books are being tarnished by so called good hearted and moralistic people who perceive the subject matter of the books to be unsettling for their children. In some cases, a trend of censorship is developing to limit books not only for a parent’s child but for all children.
To discuss what it is like to be a school Liberian is my guest Reanea Wilson who is currently a librarian on a campus
This episode the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on Black History Month and the children’s book Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community. According to a vlog on the World Economic Forum, reasons for observing Black History month includes, it devotes time to celebrate Black Achievement, it highlights the people and organizations creating change and it increases awareness of systemic racism concerns. To discuss the importance of Black History month and to spotlight an event that impacted American history is my guest Laquitta Barnes.
During this podcast you will learn:
-
How to change the mindset that Black History is just trivia information
-
The importance of discussing events most people are not aware of
-
The historical event of Black Wall Street, a self-sufficient African American business district in Tulsa OK.
-
Why is it important for people to be aware of the history of people from different cultural backgrounds?
Guest
Ms. Barnes is an educator, real estate investor from Houston, Texas, and the proud author of Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community. This children’s book focuses on the historical Black Wall Street located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her book uncovers the beauty of this area and the resilience of a community to rebound from a tragic event and restore the legacy of entrepreneurship and success by supporting each other. This book provides an amazing opportunity to educate young readers on this important historical event that is often left out of history books.
Resources
Laquitta Barnes
Visit www.ourhistorytold.com to purchase this book and other Black Wall Street merchandise.
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This this is a preview of episode 80 of the Making After School Cool podcast which focuses on Black History Month and the children’s book Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community.
The history of Black History month began in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson sponsored a national Negro History week, which took place during the second week of February, in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas’s birthdays.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month because he believed, Black History informs all US Citizens of the often-neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our country’s history. To discuss the importance of Black History month and to spotlight an event that impacted American history is my guest Laquitta Barnes.
Ms. Barnes is an educator, and real estate investor from Houston, Texas. She is also the proud author of Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community.
Ep 79: Using Technology in your Classroom & Afterschool Program
This episode of the Making School Cool podcast focuses on the benefits of using technology in schools and afterschool programs. To speak on this topic is my guest Dr. Monica Burns.
During this episode you will learn about:
- Why schools appear slow regarding incorporating the use of technology in classrooms and after school programs.
- How to use emojis to enhance students learning experiences
- A brief summary of 3 books written to help educators use tech
Guest
Dr. Monica Burns is a former classroom teacher, Author, Speaker, Curriculum developer & EdTech Consultant. She has led workshops and webinars and provided keynote presentations to teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and tech enthusiasts at numerous national and international conferences. Monica started her blog in 2012 to help make edtech easier for fellow educators and launched the Easy EdTech Podcast to support educators who want to simplify and streamline technology integration. You can visit her site ClassTechTips.com for more ideas on how to become a tech-savvy educator.
Resources
Dr. Monica Burns
https://classtechtips.com/
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 79 of the Making School Cool podcast. It focuses on the benefits of using technology in school and afterschool programs. Experts have found that technology can create profound changes in teaching and learning, as well as increases opportunities student engagement, and support. In this episode, we are going to discuss strategies for using technology with students in classrooms and after school programs. To speak on this topic is my guest Dr. Monica Burns. Dr. Burns is a former classroom teacher, Author, Speaker, Curriculum developer & EdTech Consultant.
This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the CASE for Kids Partnership Project Funding. Having adequate funding to sustain an afterschool program is the number one factor in making service available to students and their families during non-school hours. To help after school programs in Harris County offset some of their funding concerns, CASE for Kids provide supplemental funding through the Partnership Project.
During this episode you will learn about:
- Partnership Project qualifications,
- Steps for submitting proposals
- Qualifying organizations minimum standards
- Tips for writing a successful proposal
- When the Partnership funding is available
Guest
My guest this week is Brandi. For the last seven years Mrs. Brandi Nichols has been the CASE for Kids Partnership project Coordinator.
Resources
Brandi Nichols
bnichols@hcde-texas.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are going to preview episode 78 which focuses on the CASE for Kids Partnership Project Funding. Having adequate funding to sustain an afterschool program is the number one factor in making this service available to students and their families. To help Harris County after school programs offset some of their funding concerns is the topic of this week podcast; which focuses on the CASE for Kids Partnership project.
My guest this week is Brandi Nichols. For the last seven years Brandi has been the CASE for Kids Partnership project Coordinator.
This episode focuses on managing 21st Century after school program on a high school site. The 21st Century programs supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. Additionally, the program offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
During the episode you will learn:
- The difficulties and success of starting a new 21st Century program
- Stratigies for getting high school students to stay after school
- The balance between developing a positive relationship with school staff and making the program attractive to students
- Advice for someone who is interested in working in the after- school field
Guest
Melvin Mead, is a Regional Program Coordinator for Case for Kids Site at Sanchez High School in Houston Tx.
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are going to preview episode 77, where our topic focused on the implementation and management of a 21st Century Community Learning Center after school program on a high school campus. The 21st Century programs supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.
To discuss his experience with implanting a 21st Century high School program is my guest Melvin Mead, who is a Regional Program Coordinator for Case for Kids Site at Sanchez High School in Houston Tx.
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on what should youth do when they are dealing with problems or have concerns. According to Dr. D’Arcy Lyness, it is important for parents and adults to make a habit of communicating with kid regularly. As a result, youth become more relaxed sharing their thoughts, which could help them feel a bit more comfortable when discussing more serious issues. To go into more detail regarding this subject is my guest Charmette Jones.
During this episode you will learn:
- How parents, educators, and out of school practitioner can notice if youth are struggling with an issue or problem?
- Why is it important for adults to establish ongoing communication with the youth in their lives?
- Why is it important for adults to learn non-judgmental listening techniques?
- Why is it important for adults to remember to never compare youth to other youth or other situations?
- What are some negative outcomes when adults belittle a problem or say get over it?
Guest
Charmette Jones is an accomplished author, speaker and teacher with a heart for inspiring youth. She is the founder of Shamelessly Saved Productions. Charmette is currently completing her master’s studies in Counseling and crisis trauma.
Resources
Shamelessly Saved Productions
www.shamelesslysaved.com/
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 76 where we discussed the best way to make youth comfortable sharing their problems and concerns with adults. To discuss this topic in more detail is my guest is my guest Charmette Jones, who is an accomplished author, speaker, teacher and is currently completing her master’s studies in Counseling and crisis trauma.
The topic for this episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on The Correlation among Students Identity, Racial group, and Mental Health. Knowing this relationship exist, can potentially cause problems when we wonder what what is the correct group identity the students we work with and familes belong to.
During this episode you will learn:
- Why it is important for people to develop and understand their own unique group identity?
- Why comic illustrations are an effective way to introduce people to sensitive topics?
- Why is it important for adults, who work with diverse populations of students and families, identify people using the correct group term?
- Can Hispanic and Latino be used interchangeably
- How to find out what is the appropriate term a person wants to identify as?
Guest
Terry Blas is the illustrator and writer behind the viral web comics You Say Latino and You Say Latinx. He has written comics for Ariana Grande and the series Steven Universe, and Rick and Morty. His original graphic novels are Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom, Hotel Dare, and Lifetime Passes. He is currently the writer for the Marvel series Reptil.
Resources
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 75, where we discussed the correlation among individual’s identity, racial group, and their mental health. Knowing this relationship exist, can potentially cause problems when we wonder what what is the correct group identity the students we work with and familes belong to. To help us with learning how to use Hispanic, Lationo or Latin X appropriately and understand there differences, is my guest Terry Blast. Terry is the illustrator and writer behind the viral web comics You Say Latino and You Say Latinx.
This is episode 74, where we discussed the benefits of teaching kids the rules of etiquette. Etiquette provides youth with skills to improve their social networking, provides them with a range of phrases and behaviors which they can use in whatever social situation they find themselves in and can also set youth up for a lifetime of success.
During this episode you will learn:
- A brief history of the Monica Lewis School of etiquette
- At what age should kids start learning the elements of proper etiquette
- The differnce between knowing good manners and knowing proper etiquette
- Different types of acceptable behaivor for different settings
Guest
Darian Lewis is the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer for the Monica Lewis School of Etiquette. He has over 20 years of experience in business leadership, working with Fortune 500 companies like Enterprise, AIG, American General Life, and Sun America.
Resources
Monica Lewis School of Etiquette
monicalewisschoolofetiquette.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 74, where we discussed the benefits of teaching kids the rules of etiquette. Etiquette provides youth with skills to improve their social networking, provides them with a range of phrases and behaviors which they can use in whatever social situation they find themselves in.
To discuss the benefits of teaching youth etiquette is my guest Darian Lewis. Darian is the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer for the Monica Lewis School of Etiquette. Darian’s ability to command an audience has allowed him to share his thoughts, experiences, and wisdom with audiences across the country.
The topic for this episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on the benefits for youth having job responsibilities while they are in High School. Research indicates that employed youth develop the capacity to take responsibility, develop time-management skills, and overcome shyness while working with adults. When high school students help with an after-school programs the results can be beneficial to both the program and the students. To discuss the benefits of youth taking roles in after school programs is my guest Dr. Carol Hill.
During this episode you will learn about the following:
- The personal developmental benefits for youth who may get jobs, volunteer for an organization or have responsibility over a project
- The benefits of work experience youth gain when they are work or volunteer with an organization
- The importance of staff being trained to work with HS students who may be assisting with after school programs
Guest
Dr. Hill brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the development, implementation and management of successful educational programs and initiatives, including leadership in the San Francisco Beacon Initiative. She is a nationally recognized leader and trainer for the Coalition for Community Schools and for the National Beacon Initiative. and has trained on the Community Schools Model at many national conferences.
Resources
Dr. Carol Hill
carol@sfbeacon.org
The San Francisco Beacon Initiative
www.sfbeacon.org
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 73, where we discussed the benefits of using high school students to work or volunteer in after school programs. Research indicates that employed youth develop the capacity to take responsibility, develop time-management skills, and overcome shyness while working with adults.
To discuss the benefits of youth taking roles in after school programs is my guest Dr. Carol Hill. Dr. Hill brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the development, implementation and management of successful educational programs and initiatives, she is a nationally recognized leader and trainer as well as a lecturer in ethnic studies at San Francisco State University
Episode 72 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on the benefits of practicing mental wellness exercises with students. In recent years Yoga and other mindfulness activities have becomes more popular in schools and after-school programs. Yoga and mindfulness skills are something that children can practice anywhere, and the breathing technique and the concentration concepts help youth to learn to act or react to situations. To discuss the benefits of using mindfulness exercises with students is my guest Connie Morris.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- The benefits of practicing mental wellness exercises with students
- The meaning of PAUSE (Practice Awareness and Understanding Self Exercises)
- Simple ways educators could implement so ways to help students reset, refocus and calm down
- How play can positively influence learning
Guest
Connie Morris has a background in elementary and special education, with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, K-8 Elementary Education, K-12 Intervention License, and Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. She teaches yoga and professional development and graduate courses to educators. She lives with her husband and very energetic dog in the Cleveland area. Connie is also an advisor with Global Wellness for Children and an adjunct instructor at Ashland University.
Resources
Connie Morris
buddingyoga.com
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today we are going to preview episode 72, where we discussed the benefits of practicing mental wellness exercises with students. In recent years Yoga and other mindfulness activities have becomes more popular in schools and after-school programs. Yoga and mindfulness skills are something that children can practice anywhere, and the breathing technique and the concentration concepts help youth to learn to act or react to situations, will lead to resiliency, self-discovery and inquisitiveness. During this upcoming episode, which focuses on the benefits of yoga and mindfulness, you will hear from my guest Connie Morris. Connie has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, a K-12 Intervention License, and Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Connie’s experience teaching kids with various types of physical and mental abilities provides her firsthand knowledge of the benefits of including mindfulness skills in instruction.
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast is the part two of a two-part series that focuses on how adults can help high school students prepare for life after graduation. With the right assistance, and information, helping students move into adulthood can be less complicated. My guests on this two-part series are Beth and Greg Langston.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- Information regarding the College Flight Plan?
- What age should youth start thinking about life after high school?
- Why is self-discovery for teens so important?
- What are the 3 most important qualities college admissions officers look for?
Guest
Beth has had tremendous success with mentoring high school students, understand the college application’s essay process. Greg has had a successful international business career, which allowed him to mentor young professionals and businesses in 65 countries. For the last 20 years, Beth and Greg have helped students with finding their life’s purpose with their organization, the College Flight Plan.
Resources
College Flight Plan
Website: www.collegeflightplan.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast is the first part of a two-part series that focuses on how adults can help high school students prepare for life after graduation. With the right assistance, and information, helping students move into adulthood can be less complicated. My guests on this two-part series are Beth and Greg Langston.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- Iinformation regarding the College Flight Plan?
- What age should youth start thinking about life after high school?
- why is self-discovery for teens so important?
- What are the 3 most important qualities college admissions officers look for?
Guest
Beth has had tremendous success with mentoring high school students, understand the college application’s essay process. Greg has had a successful international business career, which allowed him to mentor young professionals and businesses in 65 countries. For the last 20 years, Beth and Greg have helped students with finding their life’s purpose with their organization, the College Flight Plan.
Resources
College Flight Plan
Website: www.collegeflightplan.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episodes 70 and 71 where we discussed helping students prepare for life after high school. According to Kids Health Journal, assisting teens to prepare for life after high school is a very important tasks for educators, mentors, and parents. With the right assistance, and information, helping students move into adulthood can be less complicated. My guests on this two-part series were Beth and Greg Langston. Beth and Greg are former professionals in education and business who now use their talents to aide high school students find and develop a plan to accomplish their life’s goal.
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on the implementation and results of a student-led research study regarding the impact the pandemic had on high school students. We frequently heard the opinions of parents and educators about the impact COVID-19 had on their lives, but seldom did we hear from students. However, to gain a better understanding of how COVID-19 impacted the lives of students in Texas; the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) worked with students who interviewed their peers’ reactions to the pandemic.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- Information about the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA)
- Types of support the students received to complete the survey
- Research results and key finding highlights
Guest
Ana Ramón is IDRA’s Deputy Director of Advocacy. She began her legislative career with Texas State Rep. Joe Farias who represented the southwest and northeast portions of Bexar County. In 2015, Ana was named executive director of the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee and worked with allied organizations to elect more democratic members to the Texas House of Representatives. She then had the privilege to lead the Texas Legislative Study Group, where she managed a team of 10 Masters of Social Work Students who analyzed legislation and its potential impact on Texas families. She took on the roles of Texas grassroots manager for the American Cancer Society where she worked to empower those touched by cancer to fight for proactive healthcare policies on the local, state and federal levels of government.
Christina Munoz previously served with IDRA as an executive research and evaluation intern and as an Education Policy Fellow. She now designs and conducts quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation that inform educational practice and policy. She works cross-functionally to deliver timely formative and summative evaluations of education and demographic data to support the work of IDRA and our projects and initiatives.
Resources
Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA)
www.idra.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episodes 69 where we discussed the implamentation and results of a student lead research study regarding the impact the Covid pandemic had on high school students.
Since the pandemic began and up until now, we often heard the opinions of parents, and educators regarding the impact Covid had on their lives, but seldom did we hear from students. However, to gain a better understanding of how Covid impacted the lives of students in Texas, the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), worked with students who interviewed their peers reactions to the pandemic.
To provide information about how this research was conducted, and the study’s results were my guests, Ana Ramon and Christina Munoz. Ana is IDRA’s Deputy Director of Advocacy, and Christina designs and conducts quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation that inform educational practice and policy for IDRA.
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on why educators and youth leaders should welcome diversity in their schools and programs. Several studies and articles indicate that Houston is the most diverse city in the nation. As a result of the city’s changing demographics, the level of diversity on school campuses continues to rise. To discuss this issue is guest, Dr. Stephen Cherry.
During this podcast you will learn: * How Houstonian will influence the rest of the country through its approach to diversity * Why it is crucial for school and afterschool staff to recognize the diversity of youth in schools * What the difference between cultural competency and stereotyping is and why people working with youth should be aware of the distinctions * How cultural variation and individual variation make a person unique
Guest Dr. Cherry is an associate professor and program director of sociology at the University of Houston Clear Lake. His research interests include immigration, religion, Asian Americans, and civic life. He is the author of Faith, Family, and Filipino American Community Life and the co-editor of Religious Movements Across Borders. In 2006 he received the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Distinguished Article Award. Additionally, he's served as a faculty fellow at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University.
Resources
Dr. Stephen Cherry, University of Houton
Cherry@UHCL.edu
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episodes 68 where we discuss how educators and youth leaders should welcome diversity in their schools and programs. Several studies and articles, indicates that Houston is the most diverse city in the nation. As a result of the city’s changing demographics, the level of diversity on school campuses continues to rise. To discuss this issue is my guest, Dr. Stephen Cherry. Dr. Cherry is an associate professor and program director of sociology at the University of Houston Clear Lake.
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast is part 2 of a 2-part series which highlights our ability to be resilient. To continue our discussion on resilience is my guest Bryan Clement of Dovetail learning.
You will learn more of the following:
- An explanation of the Practice, Model and Coach approach and why is it crucial for staff
- How our unconscious stress responses, helps us manage our behavior
- How we can use anticipatory resilience as a response to stressful situations
- What are the 3 Resilient Mindsets?
Guest
Bryan is a former teacher, principal and is currently the lead trainer and Director of Program and Partnerships at Dovetail Learning, Inc. Additionally, Bryan works with the Equity in Education Initiative and is on the Gravenstein Health Action Coalition Board. He also co-facilitating a think tank for the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health.
Resources
West Wind Education Policy Inc
westwinded.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast highlights our ability to be resilient. Research has shown that most people tend to demonstrate resilience regularly. However, displaying it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have not suffered difficulty or hardship. To discuss resilience is my guest Bryan Clement of Dovetail learning.
You will learn more of the following: 1. The purpose of Dovetail Learning and what type of services provided 2. How you can download free resources 3. Examples of what are cultural patterns and protective patterns 4. Why it is important for people who are working with youth to have strong SEL skills
Guest Bryan is a former teacher, principal and is currently the lead trainer and Director of Program and Partnerships at Dovetail Learning, Inc. Additionally, Bryan works with the Equity in Education Initiative and is on the Gravenstein Health Action Coalition Board. He also co-facilitating a think tank for the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health.
Resources
West Wind Education Policy Inc
westwinded.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episodes 66 and 67 where we discuss resilience. Research has shown that resiliency is pretty common, and most people tend to demonstrate resilience regularly. However, displaying it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have not suffered difficulty or hardship. It also doesn’t mean that you have not experienced emotional pain or sadness.
To discuss resilience is my guest of Bryan Clement of Dovetail learning. Bryan is a former teacher, principal and is currently the lead trainer and Director of Program and Partnerships at Dovetail Learning, Inc.,
Resources
West Wind Education Policy Inc
westwinded.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Today’s episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast centers on the School to Prison Nexus. The practice of assigning students who violate the zero-tolerance policies on their campus being placed into an alternative site, the juvenile system or the criminal justice system, was originally known as the school-to-prison pipeline. However, over the years, it has become evident that the school-to-prison pipeline is more complex than previously stated. As a result, the phrase school to prison nexus emerged. To discuss the difference between the two terms are my guests; Circe Stumbo and Angelina Ramirez.
During this episode you will learn more regarding the:
- Purpose of Westwind Education Policy Inc.
- Definition of the school to prison pipeline
- Details surrounding how the school to prison nexus disproportionately impacts black and brown students
- Explanation of how the employment of police officers as school security affects school climate and disproportionally increases the number of students of color receiving discipline citations
- Recommendations to help schools create a positive and inclusive environment
Guest
Circe Stumbo is president of West Wind Education Policy Inc. (West Wind), which she founded in January 2001. Circe has facilitated national and statewide blue-ribbon panels and summits, cross-functional working teams, organizational strategic planning processes, and equity leadership teams. This includes her current facilitation of Iowa’s statewide Dyslexia Task Force. Circe has worked with fifty-seven states and territories through her collaborations with national and regional advocacy organizations and federal centers.
Angelina Ramirez is a senior at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, majoring in both Political Science and Social and Criminal Justice. She is also a Project Assistant at West Wind Education Policy Inc. Angelina also serves as Student Coordinator of Civic Engagement at Coe College, a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, an Intern for Advocates for Social Justice, and an English Second Language Teacher through the Adult Basic Education and Refugee & Immigrant Services Programs at the Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids.
Resources
West Wind Education Policy Inc
westwinded.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of episode 65 where we discuss the School to Prison Nexus. The practice of putting students who violate the zero-tolerance policies on their campus were frequently pushed out of the traditional educational environment and are either placed into an alternative site, the juvenile system or the criminal justice system. This tendency originally became known as the school-to-prison pipeline. However, over the years, it has become evident that the school-to-prison pipeline theory is more complicated and multilayered. As a result, a new term called the school to prison nexus as emerged.
To discuss the difference between the two terms are my guest, Circe Stumbo, and Angelina Ramirez. Ms. Stumbo is president of West Wind Education Policy Inc. which she founded in January of 2001. Angelina Ramirez is a senior at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, majoring in both Political Science and Social and Criminal Justice. She is also a Project Assistant at West Wind Education Policy Inc.
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast examines developing youth leadership. This topic has been a well discussed subject for years by parents, business leaders, and educators. To discuss his experience and accomplishments as a young leader is my guest Devin Martin.
In this episode, you will learn more about the following:
- The process of discovering interests in different fields of studies
- Benefits of internships and ways to connect with corporations
- Impact of family members and mentors influencing goals of youth regarding what could be possible as an adult
- Importance of awareness of influential people of color and their impact on the field of science
Guest
Devin is currently a student at the University of Southern California and has completed numerous internships with large corporations such as Google, the National Security Agency, Microsoft, and Nasa, to name a few. Additionally, he has been accepted to numerous state and national organizations and has amassed a list of accomplishments that continues to grow
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
CASE for Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
This is a preview of episode 64 where we discuss developing Youth leadership. This topic has been a well-discussed subject for years by parents, business leaders, and educators. But one thing that is certain is to develop leadership skills, young people need to be allowed to lead. To discuss his experience and accomplishments as a young leader is my guest Devin Martin. Devin is currently a student at the University of Southern California and has completed numerous internships with large corporations such as Google, the National Security Agency, Microsoft, and Nasa, to name a few. Additionally, he has been accepted to numerous state and national organizations and has amassed a list of accomplishments that continues to grow
Smart Zone Podbean Summary
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast showcases the CASE for Kids SMART Zone. The SMART Zone provides an opportunity for out-of-school time professionals to get curriculum, supplies and equipment needed to cultivate a high-quality learning environment for their students. To speak on all of the amazing resources available in the SMART Zone is my guest and colleague Victoria Lopez-Case; Curriculum Coordinator for Harris County Department of Education, CASE for Kids.
In this episode, you will learn more about the:
- Purpose and history of the SMART Zone
- Items available in the SMART Zone, how to access them and other important item check-out details
- Inventory viewing process for the supplies in the SMART Zone
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
CASE for Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast is focused on the impact a youth council can have on a youth serving agency. To discuss how their Youth Council has influenced YMCA Houston is Gloria Guzman. Gloria has been with the YMCA for 13 years and currently works with the Y Youth Council (YYC). Through the YYC she has the privilege of facilitating a group of young leaders that help to determine the direction of programming for teen programs within the association.
In this episode, you will learn more about the:
- Timelines for the Youth Council development at YMCA of Greater Houston
- Process of selecting students to be on the Youth Council
- Benefits of a youth council for the Y and the students
- Impact of the Youth Council on YMCA of Greater Houston services delivery
- Advice for agencies interested in starting a youth council
Guest
Gloria has been with the YMCA for 13 years in which most of her time has been spent working with youth in out of school time settings. Throughout her career with the Y, she has strived to engage her youth in learning that they have a voice and teaching them effective communication so that they are able to use that voice to impact change. She is an advocate for youth in leadership positions and believes that given the right tools, youth are our present, not just our future. Gloria currently works with the Y Youth Council (YYC), in which she has the privilege of facilitating a group of young leaders that help to determine the direction of programming for teen programs within the association. Gloria takes her desire to shape the community into one that is positive and nourishing, beginning with listening to the young people who have so much to offer.
Resources
YMCA of Greater Houston
https://ymcahouston.org/
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
CASE for Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
Today is a preview of our next episode regarding the importance of Youth Voice and how a Youth Council can assist organizations with getting guidance and input from the students they serve. According to a report from the National League of Cities, entitled promoting Youth Participation, youth councils are a popular and effective way to get young people involved in solving problems and become more actively engaged in their community.
Guest
To discuss the benefits of a Youth Council is my guest Gloria Guzman who is the Youth Civic engagement director of the YMCA of Greater Houston.
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on a something that heavily debated amongst educators recently; Critical Race Theory (CRT). To discuss why Critical Race Theory has suddenly become a controversial issue is guest Rann Miller.
This episode, you will learn more about the:
- Definition of Critical Race Theory
- History of study of Critical Race Theory in K-12 education
- Importance of teachers, parents and afterschool personnel becoming familiar with Critical Race Theory
- Emergence of Critical Race Theory as a hot topic in government which in some ways has influenced the way students are educated
Guest
Rann Miller is a freelance writer, author and a former teacher. He has contributed to scholarly journals, textbooks, and many different platforms on the topics of race in higher education, urban schools, sports and the African American diaspora. He also is a facilitator of professional development for educational professionals.
Resources
Urban Education Mixtape
https://urbanedmixtape.com/
An Antiracist Roadmap for Discussing Tough Topics in Class
https://www.edutopia.org/article/antiracist-roadmap-discussing-tough-topics-class
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 61 of The Making After School Cool podcast. The topic of this episode will focus on something that heavily debated amongst educators recently; Critical Race Theory (CRT). To discuss why Critical Race Theory has suddenly become a controversial issue is guest Rann Miller. Rann is a freelance writer, author, and former teacher. He has contributed to scholarly journals, textbooks, and many different platforms on the topics of race in higher education, urban schools, sports, and the African diaspora. He also is a facilitator of professional development for educators.
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on The Teen And Police Service (TAPS) Academy. In December of 2016, the TAPS Center opened in Houston, Texas with a vision to be the international leader in reducing the social distance between youth and law enforcement through research, training, teaching, and programming. To speak on TAPS Academy is guest Dr. Everette Penn.
This episode, you will learn more about the following:
- TAPS model and why it was created
- Student recruitment strategies
- Methods used for students to receive high school credit for attending TAPS related classes
- TAPS model replication across the country
- Benefits of the after school programs kids, parents and the school
- Vision for programs and services in the future
Guest
Dr. Penn is a Professor of Criminology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and has researched the social distance between youth and law enforcement throughout his career.
Resources
Teen and Police Service Center
https://www.tapsacademy.org/
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
Case For Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/Page/17
This is a preview of Episode 60 of the Making After School Cool podcast. The topic of discussion is Building Positive Relationships among the Police, Youth and the communities they Serve. During this episode you will hear about the Teen and Police Service Academy better known as the TAPS Academy. To speak on the TAPS Academy is my guest Dr. Everette Penn.
Guest
Dr. Penn is a Professor of Criminology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and has researched the social distance between youth and law enforcement throughout his career.
Resources
Teen and Police Service Center
https://www.tapsacademy.org/
CASE for Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast is part two of a two-part series about the benefits of managing youth urban debate leagues. When you think of the types of students participating in debate tournaments, seldom do we think of low economic students living in an urban setting who will be the first in their families to go to college. These students, in most cases, do not have access to extracurricular programs which improve academic outcomes for lower-income and/or minority secondary school students. To answer this need, four years ago, Case for Kids launched the CASE debates program. To speak on managing an urban debate program while dealing with Covid 19 restrictions is my guest Toni Candice.
In this episode, you will learn more about:
- Benefits for youth who participate in debate
- Strategy for recruiting students during the challenging times of COVID-19
- Tournament management in the virtual space
Guest
Since its inception, Toni Candis has been the Coordinator of the Case Debate program and has been with CASE for kids for the last six years.
Resources
Houston Urban Debate League
http://houstonurbandebateleague.org/
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
CASE for Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast is part one of a two part series about the benefits of managing youth urban debate leagues. The skills learned while participating in debate can create life-long benefits for youth personally and academically. To speak on coordinating activities for an urban debate league while managing the COVID-19 restrictions are guests Mark Niles, Director of Houston Urban Debate League; and John Rassenfoss, Deputy Director of Houston Urban Debate League.
This episode, you will learn more about the:
- Benefits for youth who participate in debate
- Formats of debate available to students
- Strategy for recruiting students during the challenging times of COVID-19
- Tournament management in the virtual space
Guest
Mark Niles, Director of the Houston Urban Debate League,
John Rassenfoss Deputy Director of the Houston Debate League.
Resources
Houston Urban Debate League
http://houstonurbandebateleague.org/
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
CASE for Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
Welcome to the Making After-School Cool Podcast, the link between research, practice, and theory for those interested in the activities youth are involved with during non-school hours. The Making After-School Cool Podcast is produced by Case for Kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education, and I’m your host Mike Wilson.
This is a preview of Episode 58, which is the first of a two-part series focusing on the benefits of managing youth urban debate leagues during a school year filled with Covid 19 restrictions.
Guest
Mark Niles, Director of the Houston Urban Debate League,
John Rassenfoss Deputy Director of the Houston Debate League.
Resources
Houston Urban Debate League
http://houstonurbandebateleague.org/
CASE for Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/page/17
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on Champions Before and AfterSchool services. Champions is backed by the resources and expertise of Kindercare, and with more than 25 years of experience, Champions is recognized for delivering extended learning programs that are tailored specifically to a school’s and parents’ needs. To speak on Champions programs in our area is today’s guest Max Madero.
This episode, you will learn more about:
- How Champions was able to continue to provide services despite all of the 20-21 obstacles
- The benefits of the after school programs kids, parents and the school
- The vision of what programs and services may look like in the future
Guest
Max Madero has worked 19+ years in Youth Development. He is currently Area Manager for Champions in Pasadena and has previous experience serving Houston and LaPorte ISDs
Resources
Champions Before & Afterschool
https://www.discoverchampions.com/
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
Case For Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/Page/17
This is a preview of Episode 57 which highlighs the services provided by Champion Before and After School programs during the difficulty’s caused by the COVID 19 pandic. Todays guest is Max Madero. Max has worked 19+ years in Youth Development and is currently Area Manager for Champions in Pasadena and has prevous experience serving Houston and LaPorte ISDs.
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast topic is teaching youth financial literacy. Today’s guest, Lonnie R Mathews, is the Chairman and Executive Director of Alliance Financial Ministries, a non-profit financial literacy company.
In this episode, you will learn more about:
- What is Financial Literacy, and how did you begin offering workshops to youth
- How were you able to continue to provide services during the COVID pandemic
- What are the benefits of financial literacy programs for kids, parents, and the school campus
- How do you envision future program or services
Guest
Lonnie is a Financial author who has degrees in finance and accounting. He is a financial analyst and is an authority on personal finance and the process of getting out of debt. In 2002, Lonnie co-founded Alliance Financial Ministries. This company aims to provide individuals with the education and tools necessary to make sound financial decisions. Alliance Financial provides seminars, motivational tapes, motivational materials, and workshops nationally.
Resources
Alliance Financial Ministries
https://financialministries.org/
Harris County Department of Education
https://www.hcde-texas.org/
Case For Kids
https://www.hcde-texas.org/Page/17
This is a preview of Episode 56 which will focus on teaching youth financial literacy. My guest is Lonnie Mathews, co-founder of the Alliance Financial Ministries (a non-profit company) that promotes financial literacy to people of all ages.
This week the Making After School Cool Podcast features Out of School Time Professionals responding to the question of “what advice would you give to a person who wants to work with youth and enter the after school field.”
Guest
Jason Hammond of the Houston Children’s Museum
Jasmin Castleberry, CASE for Kids Project Coordinator – 21st CCLC-Texas ACE, Cycle 10 programs
Kathy Rose, executive director of College Community Career,
Kristin Miller of eTeching me
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 55 of The Making Afterschool Cool podcast, which will focus on the advice Out of School Professionals would you give to a person who wants to work with youth and enter the after-school field. My guests include Jason Hammond of the Houston Children's Museum, Jasmin Castleberry, CASE for Kids Project Coordinator – 21st CCLC-Texas ACE, Cycle 10 programs. Kathy Rose, executive director of College Community Career, and Kristin Miller of eTeching me.
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on planning a great summer program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s guest, Kristin Miller, is a professional curriculum writer, developer, and self-publisher of the eTeachingMe online early childhood (ages 1 to 5) curriculum for parents and educators. This episode, you will learn more about:
- Important factors adults should consider when looking for a summer program for youth
- Best times for out-of-school time professionals to start planning summer programs and new adjustments to make for COVID-19
- Essential components of a good summer program
- Special considerations when adding virtual activities in conjunction with in-person activities for summer programs
- Unique adaptations of equipment or supplies in summer and how afterschool professionals can make those adjustments
- Accessible resources for summer programs that help ensure a safe and healthy environment for campers
Guest
Kristin has over 17 years of professional and direct experience in early education, including classroom teaching, tutoring, presenting workshops as an adult trainer, & administrative experience. She is a professional curriculum writer, developer, and self-publisher of the eTeachingMe online early childhood curriculum for parents, or educators, to use when teaching children aged 1 to 5 years old. She is an author of many educational resources, parenting resources, and curriculums for the early childhood audience. As an early childhood specialist and owner of an educational services company, Kristen has developed various educational services and opportunities to help all children, parents, and educators.
Resources
Kristin Miller
www.eteachingme.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
This is a preview of Episode 54 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast which will focus on the implementation of a great summer program during the COVID pandemic. My guest is Kristen Miller, an author of many educational resources, parenting resources, and curriculums for the early childhood audience.
So please join us for our next episode where we discuss preparing for a great summer program continue to explore issues relevant to the out-of-school time field.
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on implementing the UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. My guest is Laura Cuellar, the Program Manager of UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative with the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Education. In this episode, you will learn more about:
- The purpose of the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, along with the goals of the project
- The process for implementing a UNICF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative
- Which areas in Houston will the project be implemented
- The role youth play in this initiative
- How afterschool professional and programs assist with this project
Guest
Laura Cuellar, the Program Manager of UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. She is with the Mayor's Office of Education in the City of Houston.
Ms. Cuellar is an advocate for youth with a passion for creating educational opportunities for marginalized communities, including immigrants, low-income families, and first-generation children born in the US. Her desire to help others led her to become a community organizer and coalition builder. Laura has mentored over 400 college students and is experienced at creating partnerships to build community among diverse individuals, groups, and organizations.
Resources
City of Houston Joins UNICEF USA Child Friendly Cities Initiative
https://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/2020/unicef-child-friendly-city.html
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 53 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast. The episode focuses on the implementation of the UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. My guest is Laura Cuellar, the Program Manager of UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative with the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Education. Please join us for theupcoming full episode as we will continue to discuss the rights of children and its connection to the needs of the out-of-school time field.
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on increasing the odds of college success, especially among low-income, first-generation students. To speak on these issues is Kathy Rose, the Executive Director of College, Community Career. Kathy founded College, Community, Career in 2012 to help low-income, first-generation students in the greater Houston area to get into college and graduate from college.
In this episode, you will learn more about the:
- What is the purpose of College Community Career?
- The definition of a first-generation college student?
- Why does it appear that poor students and youth of color make up many first-generation college students?
- How do you prepare first-generation college students to overcome the financial needs of a post-secondary college education?
- What can afterschool staff do to encourage their participants to attend college
Guest
Kathy Rose has worked as a secondary math teacher, a Corporate Trainer at Chevron, a Development Director at the University of Houston, and the founding Houston Director of College Forward. Kathy has served as a Board Trustee at numerous educational intuitions, as well as numerous non-profits. She is the recipient of the Jefferson Award, the Katz Award and the Houston Texan Community Quarterback Award.
Resources
College, Community, Career
https://collegecommunitycareer.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 52 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast. The episode explores strategies for spotting the differences between facts and misinformation. This edition of the Making After School Podcast focuses on increasing the odds of college success, especially among low-income, first-generation students. To speak on these issues is Kathy Rose, the Executive Director |College, Community Career
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on the impact of collaborative partnerships. To speak on the benefits of supportive partnership is my guest Jason Hammond with the Children's Museum of Hoston. Jason Hammond is the Life Science Educator, and the Science Outreach Manager Children's Museum of Houston Jason has been with the Children's Museum for the last seven years.
During this podcast, you will learn:
- Different forms of partnerships
- The different roles of partnerships
- The Benefits of collaboration
Guest
Jason Hammond is the Life Science Educator, and the Science Outreach Manager Children's Museum of Houston Jason has been with the Children's Museum for the last seven years.
Resources
Children's Museum
https://www.cmhouston.org/
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
Welcome to the Making After School Cool Podcast, the link between research, practice, and theory for those interested in the activities youth are engaged in during non-school hours. The Making After School Cool Podcast is produced by CASE for Kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education, and I'm your host, Mike Wilson
Having a supportive partnership with other entities is one of the best ways to strengthen service delivery and create a lasting impact on clients. But, that partnership can be difficult to find and even harder to maintain.
To speak on the benefits of supportive partnership is my guest Jason Hammond. Jason Hammond is the Life Science Educator, and the Science Outreach Manager Children's Museum of Houston Jason has been with the Children's Museum for the last seven years.
Please join us for this podcast as we continue to explore issues relevant to the needs of the other school time field.
This week’s episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast will focus on research regarding after school and summer programs and features Dr. Jennifer Sloan McCombs, senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation.
During this episode you will learn
- Key findings concerning a longitudinal study regarding the impact afterschool and summer programs have on urban youth,
- What research indicates as key components of quality afterschool programs?
- How Covid 19 has shown to have negatively impacted low income students with greater learning loss than students from. And how after school programs can work with schools to curb this loss.
Guest
Dr. McCombs is a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Her research focuses on evaluating the extent to which public policies and programs improve outcomes for at-risk children and youth. She is a frequent advisor on summer and after school programs and has served as a member of numerous committees and advisory groups regarding afterschool and summer enrichment.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week’s preview of Episode 47 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast will focuses on research regarding after school and summer programs and features Dr. Jennifer Sloan McCombs. Dr. McCombs is a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Her research focuses on evaluating the extent to which public policies and programs improve outcomes for at-risk children and youth. So Please join us for this episode as we continue to explore issues relevant to the needs of the other school time field
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of The Making Afterschool Cool podcast explores strategies for spotting the differences between facts, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. My guest is the Senior Director of Education and Training at the News Literacy Project, John Silva.
Guest
John Silva is the News Literacy Project’s, senior director of education and training. He joined NLP after a 13 year career as a middle and high school social studies teacher with Chicago Public Schools. Prior to becoming a teacher John was in the U.S. Marine Corps, after which he spent several years in corporate telecommunications
Resources
The News Literacy Project
newslit.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This is a preview of Episode 49 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast. The episode explores strategies for spotting the differences between facts, misinformation and conspiracy theories. My guest is the Senior Director of Education and Training at the News Literacy Project, John Silva. Prepare to join us for the full episode where we will continue to discuss information literacy and its connection to the needs of the out-of-school time field.
Resources
The News Literacy Project
newslit.org
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast presents the second part of the series focusing on the impact COVID-19 has had on Harris County residents. The guest is Dr. Elizabeth Gregory from the Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality at the University of Houston (UH).
This episode, you will learn more about the:
- Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality and how it began researching the impact COVID-19 has had on different demographic groups in Harris County
- Gender wage gap’s impact on the quality of life of women, particularly those with young children
- Impact low wages have on families’ access to needed resources such as technology, food and housing
- Negative impact limited access to free or affordable childcare and afterschool programming can have on low-income households
- Actions parents, community leaders, business and government officials can take to ensure education equity
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week I preview Episode 48 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast. It is part 2 of my discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Gregory regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Harris county Residents especially low income families’ access to needed resources including child care and after school programs. Dr. Elizabeth Gregory is the director of the Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality at the University of Houston. So Please join us for this episode as we continue to explore issues relevant to the needs of the other school time field
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week’s preview of Episode 47 of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast will focuses on the impact of COVID-19 has had on Harris County residents in relation to gender and ethnicity. My guest will be Dr. Elizabeth Gregory from the Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality at the University of Houston. So Please join us for this episode as we continue to explore issues relevant to the needs of the other school time field
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on Harris County residents in relation to gender and ethnicity. The guest is Dr. Elizabeth Gregory from the Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality at the University of Houston (UH). This episode, you will learn more about the:
- Purpose of the Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality at UH
- Role of COVID-19 in amplifying the effects social factors such as poverty, household income, and number of children in a household play in gender inequity
- Elements of the Gender Hardship Matrix
Guest
Since 1995, Dr. Gregory has been the Director of what is now the the Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality at the University of Houston. Through the support of the Friends of Women's Studies, the Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program provides scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students, funds a postdoctoral fellowship in Women's Studies, and awards grants for faculty research.
Resources
Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.
https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
This week on the Making Afterschool Cool podcast, tune in for part two of my interview with Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.. During this interview, we will continue to discuss strategies for addressing diversity in our lives and community.
This podcast discusses:
- The 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge, can you describe this challenge and the benefits people can gain if they commit to it?
- Steps individuals can take in their communities to start a dialogue regarding privilege, structural inequality, and diversity?
- Ways Dr. Moore relaxes and take care of himself?
Guest
Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. and he has been guiding individuals and groups in workshops pertaining to issues of diversity, privilege, oppression, and leadership. Dr. Moore, achieved success in academia, business, diversity, leadership, and community service. In 1996, he started America & MOORE, LLC, to provide diversity, and leadership training, and workshops.
Resources
Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.
https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week on the Making Afterschool Cool podcast, tune in for part one of the two part interview with Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.. During this interview, we discuss strategies for addressing diversity in our lives and community.
This podcast discusses:
- Strategies to recognize diverse needs particularly regarding social justice and equity
- Leadership based on the belief that people must work together as a team instead of a system based on power
- Training that requires participants to examine personal biases, behaviors, and belief systems
- Methods for afterschool programs to include diversity topics in programing
Guest
Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. and he has been guiding individuals and groups in workshops pertaining to issues of diversity, privilege, oppression, and leadership. Dr. Moore, achieved success in academia, business, diversity, leadership, and community service. In 1996, he started America & MOORE, LLC, to provide diversity, and leadership training, and workshops.
Resources
Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.
https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week on the Making Afterschool Cool podcast some of the CASE for Kids staff reflect on their experiences during the year 2020. The guests this episode are Adrian Izaguirre, Chasidy Celestine, Brandi Nichols, Kittra Hewitt and Trina Finley. This episode you will hear more about:
- Relationships and how to maintain them with individuals, groups and/or organizations that are typically worked with
- Lessons learned this year
- Things they are most grateful for
- Hopes for the upcoming year
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on the influence of Project Based Learning (PBL) activities can have on post graduate students. The guests for this episode are Joe Paneitz, award winning teacher and Coordinator of Ecobot Challenge; and Melanie Velazquez, former Ecobot Challenge participant and current Ecobot mentor. This episode, you will learn more about the:
- Benefits of PBL
- Purpose of Ecobot Challenge
- Ways that developing STEM skills and participating in Ecobot are helpful to students
- Structure of a typical Ecobot Challenge Day
- Methods for involving former students that have graduated from high school as mentors in PBL programs
Guest
Joe Paneitz is an award-winning educator was recognized as the 2020 Humble ISD District Teacher of the Year, 2020 Humble ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, 2020 Region IV, Texas Teacher of the Year, 2020 Gulf Coast School Boards Association Teacher of the Year, 2020, ATPE Humble Teacher of the Year, and Curriculum Director and Lead Teacher All-Earth Ecobot Challenge
Melanie Velazquez is a graduate of the Ecobots program, is currently a college student at Houston Community College and is a mentor to currently elementary students participating in the Ecobots Challenge.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on strategies afterschool programs can use to teach American history without any deletions or omissions. Today’s guest, Howard Rosenberg, discusses how introducing learners to lesser known historical figures accomplishes this goal. This episode, you will learn more about the:
- Importance of history including more diverse and authentic voices
- Definition of ‘unsung hero’ and how their contributions often shape history
- Suggestions to make history come alive and go beyond just school textbooks
- Process afterschool programs can use to find experts to speak on their experiences regarding historical events
- Resources found in children’s books and animated movies which align with historical events
- Methods for afterschool programs to enhance the history lessons their students may be receiving in school
Guest
Howard Rosenberg has taught middle school social studies in New York City for the past 14 years. In addition to teaching eighth-grade social studies, he facilitates a mock trial enrichment class. He is also the creator of the website “Trials of a Middle School Teacher
Resources
Trails of a Middle School Teacher
http://www.trialsofamiddleschoolteacher.blogspot.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on strategies to address challenges faced by youth with emotional/sensory regulation and executive functioning. Included in this discussion is the tendency of students with Executive Function Disorder (EFD) often being misdiagnosed or dismissed as negligent or lazy. To discuss strategies to change these trends is guest Elizabeth Sautter.
This episode, you will learn more about:
- Challenging the negative stereotypes students experience because of their unique social and emotional needs
- Supporting families and caregivers of children with EFD and other emotional/sensory regulation challenges
- Exploring the bottom-up and top-down approaches to address social-emotional learning
- Accessing the Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick and the Social and Emotional card decks as valuable resources for afterschool and out-of-school time professionals
- Utilizing new strategies added to the Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick 2nd Edition
Guest
Elizabeth Sautter is a licensed speech and language pathologist. Since 1996, she has worked with preschool to adult clients and their families in private practice, schools, and hospitals. She is an expert in the field of supporting those with social, self-regulation, and executive functioning challenges. Elizabeth has also co-authored two popular children’s books with Kristen Wilson, entitled Whole Body Listening Larry at Home and Whole Body Listening Larry at School (www.socialthinking.com), which help to break down what is expected and ways to keep others feeling comfortable in a listening situation. She has also published Make Social Learning Stick! How to Guide and Nurture Social Competence Through Everyday Routines and Activities (aapcpublishing.com), which provides 185 ideas for embracing teachable moments in the home and community to practice and build social and emotional skills. In her blog MakeSocialLearningStick, she shares her own parenting and life experiences raising two boys.
Resources
Elizabeth Sautter: Website
New Book, Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick! Practical activities to help your child manage emotions, navigate social situations & reduce anxiety
Free Marketing Course: 3 ways to parent a sensitive, reactive or anxious child and still feel good at the end of the day.
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This week the Making Afterschool Cool podcast is celebrating Lights On Afterschool. Introduced in October of 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and the importance these programs play in the lives of children, families and communities. Now celebrating 20 years of highlighting afterschool programs activities, Lights On Afterschool has become a symbol of the afterschool movement and each year produces media coverage emphasizing afterschool activities across the country each year. The theme for the 2020 celebration is Youth Voice. To put a spotlight on Youth Voice, this episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast features the opinions of outstanding out-of-school time (OST) professionals regarding their perceptions of youth voice.
This episode, you will learn more about the:
- Importance of youth expressing their thoughts through voice, dance music, and other forms of self-expression
- Benefits of youth voice to the community, OST programs, and the youth themselves
- Methods to create a setting where youth can have a voice to help adults understand what students think, want, and hope
Guest
My guests for today are Charmette Jones, the founder and Executive Director of Shamelessly Saved Productions; Andrew Karnavas, founder of Yawp Records; Toni Candis with CASE for Kids, CASE Debates; Brandon Denton, Assistant Director, Education for the Mayor's Office - City of Houston; and Curtis Lemieux, Executive Director of Summer Programs for the YMCA of Greater Houston.
Resources
Lights On Afterschool
http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
The topic of this episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast is how to facilitate difficult conversations with youth regarding diversity, equity and social justice. Joining this conversation is Rann Miller, Sr., who will share some best practices for working with youth during times of uncertainty.
This podcast discusses:
- Strategies afterschool practitioners can implement to facilitate discussions regarding diversity and social injustice
- Importance of educators and afterschool directors evaluating their classroom/program culture, behavior management and casual interaction with students for bias with the new lens of anti-racism
- Differences between program culture that is student-centric and administrator-, program-, or outcome-centric
- Importance of afterschool programs and service providers utilizing students’ culture and community as the foundation for the learning environment
- Steps for afterschool programs interested in starting anti-racism dialogue or programs and how to include families
Guest
Rann Miller, Sr. is the Founder & Lead Writer for the Urban Education Mixtape. He has served as afterschool director for a 21st Century Community Learning Center program, a social studies teacher, mentor for first-year teachers, curricula writer, facilitator, and literary author and contributor. Most importantly Rann is a devoted husband and father.
Resources
Urban Education Mixtape
https://urbanedmixtape.com/
An Antiracist Roadmap for Discussing Tough Topics in Class
https://www.edutopia.org/article/antiracist-roadmap-discussing-tough-topics-class
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast is the second installation in the two-part series focusing on the impact of Texas’ rapidly changing demographic. With the recent attention on social justice and equity, there has been a greater need to emphasize racial and cultural sensitivity and awareness. This episode, Roberto Germán will join us to discuss embracing multiculturalism in an evolving community.
During this podcast, you will learn about:
- The importance of being in proximatity of others to build heality relationships
- Activities afterschool programs can provide to help youth understand they have a voice in social and racial injustice conversations
- Suggestions for creating youth inclusive spaces for dialogue between community members and police officers
- Strategies afterschool programs can use with English-language learners
Guest
Roberto is an educational leader who strives to shape school culture by reinforcing the core values of citizenship, scholarship, and collaboration. He is the co-founder of the Multicultural Classroom, an endeavor to address the national issue of effectively teaching in multicultural and multilingual classrooms and communities. He and his wife Lorena are activists, educators, writers, speakers, trainers, and parents. Throughout the years, they have impacted the lives of many with their passionate leadership and creative talents to create and inspire cultural diversity in communities across the state.
Resources
The Multicultural Classroom
https://www.multiculturalclassroomconsulting.com/
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After-school Cool podcast is the first installation in the two-part series focusing on the impact of Texas’ rapidly changing demographic. Within the last twenty years Texas has shifted to a majority-minority state. With the recent attention on social justice and equity, there has been a greater need for emphasis on racial and cultural sensitivity and awareness. This episode, Roberto German will join us to discuss embracing multiculturalism in an evolving community.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- Tips youth serving intuitions can use to create a welcoming space for students from a variety of backgrounds
- Training after-school staff to address social justice, diversity, and multiculturalism
- Best practices for afterschool programs to involve families in these discussions
- Activities afterschool programs can provide to help youth understand they have a voice in social and racial injustice conversations
- Suggestions for creating youth inclusive spaces for dialogue between community members and police officers
- Strategies afterschool programs can use with English-language learners
Guest
Roberto is an educational leader who strives to shape school culture by reinforcing the core values of citizenship, scholarship, and collaboration. He is the co-founder of the Multicultural Classroom; an endeavor aimed to address the national issue of effectively teaching in multicultural and multilingual classrooms and communities. He and his wife Lorena are activists, educators, writers, speakers, trainers, and parents. Throughout the years, they have made an impact in the lives of many with their passionate leadership and creative talents to create and inspire cultural diversity in communities across the state.
Resources
The Multicultural Classroom
https://www.multiculturalclassroomconsulting.com/
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of Making After-School Cool Podcast features Mr. Jerry Levias who became a civil right pioneer in 1965 as the first African American scholarship athlete to play football at for Southern Methodist.
Guest
My guest today Mr. Jerry LeVias, retried professional players, civil rights pioneers, a youth advocate and a living hero among us.
During this podcast you will learn more about the:
- Experience of being one of the first African Americans to play football at a major college in Texas
- Importance of a mentor or a support system during a difficult time
- Impact of professional athletes speaking out about social inequalities
- Decision educators must make on whether they should discuss racism, discrimination and injustice towards oppressed people with students
- Activities beyond reading that out-of-school practitioners can involve students in to learn about social justice issues
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool Podcast focuses on strategies for creating effective dialogue with youth regarding race relations and social injustice? My guest today is Andrew Simmons, who is a high school teacher who shares strategies for using literature to guide discussions about race with students who would rather avoid the topic.
Guest
Andrew Simmons is a high school English teacher, and a contributing writer for The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Beli, San Francisco Chronicle, Slate, and other publications. His forthcoming book for educators, Love Hurts, Lit Helps (Rowman & Littlefield publishing), addresses how English class literature can help improve the relationships of high school students.
During this podcast you will learn:
- An educator’s opinion regarding returning to school during Covid19
- His motivation for writing the article entitled “Engaging White Students in Conversations About Race” published in Edutopia
- Why it is important to introduce students to curriculum which present racism, discrimination and social injustice of oppressed people
- How can youth serving organizations facilitate conversations regarding race with youth
- works of literature would you recommend youth read to better understand how significant race is in this country’s history
- Beyond just having students read books dealing with social inequalities what other types of activities can out of school practitioners involve students with to learn about these issues
Resources
Andrew Simmons
http://www.adlsimmons.com/
Engaging White Students in Conversations About Race
https://www.edutopia.org/article/engaging-white-students-conversations-about-race
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast explores the start-up of the 2020-2021 school year. Many are wondering what will the new year look like. This is particularly true for families with students in special education who need additional support. To speak on this topic is guest Sharaya Hill. Sharaya is a certified special education educator and the host of the podcast Sped Street.
During this podcast you will learn about:
- The purpose for creating the Sped street podcast
- How to combat negative stereotypes about special education
- How to reduce parental anxiety about having a studenteligible for special education services
- The controversy surrounding the number of children of color diagnosed as in need of special education services
- The information parents and school staff should provide afterschool staff regarding their students’ special education needs
- How out-of-school time programs assist in providing services for special education
Guest
Sharaya Hill is a special education teacher hailing from Houston, Texas. After graduating from Howard University with a Bachelor's in Psychology, she ventured to Spain where she taught impoverished children for a year. Upon her return the United States she was a behavior therapists for children with autism before stepping into her current role as a early childhood special education teacher. In May, Sharaya graduated from the University of North Texas with her Master's in Special Education. She is the host of the Sped Street podcast where she celebrates those who are differently abled and gives others tools and resources to bridge the gap between neurotypical and atypical persons. Sped Street can be found on all major podcasting platforms.
Resources
Sped Street podcast
Sped Street on Apple Podcasts
A space for families of persons with special needs
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
In this episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast, we continue our series of interviews exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the out-of-school time field. Today our guests share information on the available summer services at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
During this episode you will learn about:
-
Safety procedures for the facility and staff
-
Steps the Children’s Museum of Houston is taking to minimize the probability of youth being exposed to COVID-19
-
Procedures for OST providers and parents who want to visit the museum
-
Steps the Children's Museum of Houston is taking in the event someone get sick while visiting
-
Adjustments the museum made to practice social distancing while allowing youth to participate in fun activities
Guest
Dr. Armando X. Orduña has served in formal and informal K—12 education for over 20 years. He currently serves as the Director of Outreach Programs for Children’s Museum Houston where he has filled various roles in its Education Dept. for the last 12 years. In 2012, nominated by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Orduña was honored as a White House Champion of Change for his classroom service for urban Hispanic youth.
Tiffany Espinosa
Tiffany Espinosa, Manager of Community Partnerships at Children’s Museum Houston, has a Bachelor of Art in Spanish and History from Stephen F. Austin State University. Tiffany has 15 years of experience in bilingual education and community outreach. Her work at Children’s Museum Houston includes 9 years of experience managing the Museum’s Para los Niños program and serving as Educator for the Parent Stars program, both of which provide bilingual, hands-on workshops and events for families throughout Houston. Currently, she manages the Open Doors program, maintaining partnerships with over 1,091 organizations and providing free admission to families who would otherwise not be able to visit the Museum.
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the OST field. Featured is an interview with Curtis Lemieux, Executive Director of Youth Development for the YMCA of Greater Houston.
During this interview you will learn:
- Preparedness of the YMCA management to address providing services for essential workers at the beginning of the pandemic
- Safety procedures established by the YMCA for staff and the facility as well
- Steps the YMCA took to minimize the probability of student exposure to COVID-19
- Procedures the YMCA put in place for drop-off and pick-up as well as daily interactions on the facility
- Procedures established by the YMCA in the event a student gets sick while attending programming
- Adjustments the YMCA made to practice social distancing while allowing students to participate in activities
- Advice for other OST programs regarding providing services during this new normal
Guest
Curtis Lemieux has worked with the YMCA for 20 years serving in multiple capacities. For the last 10 years he has worked with the YMCA of Greater Houston. He is currently the Executive Director of Youth Development working with a team of individuals who plan and implement the afterschool and summer day camps throughout the city of Houston.
Resources
YMCA of Greater Houston
https://www.ymcahouston.org/SeeYouSoon
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on what educators describe as the COVID-19 Slide. This year, most students have been out of their classroom setting since early March. Now that summer break is here, many students will not be getting any form of academic instruction. How will the COVID-19 Slide impact students’ academic achievement? Is there anything OST staff and parents can do to lessen academic losses? To discuss this issue we are joined by guest Dr. Cedric Stewart. During this podcast, you will hear some answers to these questions and the following: • Definition of COVID-19 Slide • Subjects with the largest incidence of learning loss during summer • Tips and strategies for parents and OST providers to help enhance students' learning during summer • Methods for parents and OST providers to encourage engaged learning • Strategies to minimize students' math anxiety • Resources for parents and OST providers with math anxiety
Guest
Dr. Cedric Stewart has served families in Harris County as an educator, consultant, and administrator since 1992. During that time, he has held many roles simultaneously, accruing over 20 years of educational experience with a fierce commitment to equity for all students. Dr. Stewart was recently appointed to serve as the new Instructional Leader of Jewel Houston Academy. He is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and holds 6 degrees in Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership, and Counseling. .
Resources Dr. Steward Cbsteward@aldineisd.org
Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/
Code.org https://code.org/
Sesame Street https://www.sesamestreet.org/
PBS for Kids https://pbskids.org/
Cool Math https://www.coolmathgames.com/
We Are Teachers https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/
Fun Brain https://www.funbrain.com/
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool Podcast is a continuation of the series of interviews exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the out-of-school time field. Today, Mary Wagner of the Houston Public Library will be discussing summer youth services offered through the library.
During this episode you will learn more about: • Adjustments implemented since the COVID-19 pandemic began • Action steps if you have books or other items checked out • Return for checked out items and fee assessment for overdue items • Summer services provided through the library • Resources available for all age groups
Guest As Youth Services Advocate for Houston Public Library (HPL), Mary Wagoner, M.L.I.S., has a combined 28 years of Library Management, Project Management and Youth Services experience at Houston Public Library. Mary served as Project Director for two Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grants, the Fountain of Youth grant in 2009 and Pop Up Library grant in 2012. In her former role as Special Project Manager, she served as the Project Lead and Steering Committee Chair of several Lean 6 Sigma studies, including the Library Materials Selection Division which resulted in reorganization of the division, a new Holds print solution and new Holds labels. Mary was the Project Lead for TLA Award Winning Children’s Zone in response to Hurricane Ike. Mary served as President of Texas Library Association’s TALL Texans from 2010 to 2011. She belongs to, and has made professional presentations at ALA, ALSC, PLA and TLA on various topics, including: Disaster Response (Katrina, Ike & Harvey), the Pop-Up Library, YPQI (Weikert’s Youth Program Quality Improvement) and Library Collections. In her current role, Mary and her team strive to meet the challenges of providing cohesive and innovative free youth programming and services for children of all ages and parent education as part of a dynamic organization that serves 2.2 million Houston residents and 4.3 million residents in the greater Houston metropolitan area.
Resources Houston Public Library https://houstonlibrary.org
Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool podcast explores the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the connection between OST providers and families that need support. The guest for this episode, Kimberly Woods, is a working parent and designated essential worker. She shares her family’s experiences adapting to the new normal, as well as, how childcare provided by the YMCA of Greater Houston has helped her family.
During this episode you will learn more about: · Her response to uncertainty and questions since learning about COVID-19 · The YMCA childcare program and its impact on her child · The special precautions the Y had in place to keep children, staff and parents safe · The procedures the Y has in place to connect parents with students during the day · Questions parents should ask when choosing an OST provider
Guest Kimberly Woods is an occupational therapist on the Spinal Cord Injury Unit at the VA hospital and has been for the last 14yrs. Prior to COVID-19 she was full-time in-hospital, however currently M-F teleworking at home; and in-hospital treating patients two days a week. For years, her sons have been cared for by YMCA facilities when not at home, with one son attending the Medical Center YMCA since 12wks old and the other attends summer camps there as well. Her husband works for the city of Houston and has also been an essential employee during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources YMCA of Greater Houston www.ymcahouston.org
Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool Podcast features Dr. Dan Vollrath. We will be discussing strategies for motivating students to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote learning has brought many new challenges, but the need to effectively engage students remains constant. Today’s topic focuses on keeping students motivated during COVID-19, especially those with learning disabilities. During this episode you will learn about:
- Strategies parents and teachers can use to keep students motivated, especially those with learning disabilities.
- Best practices for dealing with student procrastination
- Movement breaks and exercise and their benefits for students completing schoolwork
- Benefits of reflective time for students during learning
- Mindful-hyper focus and the importance of practicing it
Guest Dr. Daniel Vollrath is a special education teacher at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in New Jersey. In addition, Daniel serves as a U.S. professional development trainer with the Institute for Habits of Mind. With a strong passion for developing curriculum, building student relationships, and fostering executive function techniques infused with the Habits of Mind, Vollrath has created a more responsive and mindful classroom culture. Dispositional thinking, reflective techniques, and instructional procedures connected to Habits of Mind serve an integral role in his daily pedagogy. Feel free to email Daniel at danvollrath44@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @HabitsofMindInc, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Resources De-escalation with Habits of Mind Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UETaYQnXO28&t=4s
De-escalation Exercise article https://www.edutopia.org/article/de-escalation-exercise-upset-students
Building Resilience in Students https://www.edutopia.org/article/encouraging-students-develop-resilience
A collection of blogs and articles through the Institute for Habits of Mind https://www.habitsofmindinstitute.org/category/authors/daniel-vollrath/
Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool Podcast features the Out 2 Learn resource network. Initiated in 2017, Out 2 Learn is a collaborative initiative dedicated to increasing access to and improving the quality of out-of-school time (OST) opportunities in Greater Houston. This is a collaborative effort led by Houston Endowment, the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Education, Harris County Department of Education’s CASE for Kids, and United Way of Greater Houston. Out 2 Learn is a valuable resource for parents in Houston to find out-of-school and afterschool programs that will benefit and engage their children.
During this this podcast you will learn about:
· The purpose of Out 2 Learn · Other similar quality initiatives in Texas and United States · Out 2 Learn as a resource for youth service providers · Out 2 Learn as a resource for parents · Future funding opportunities related to COVID-19
Guest Tiffany Echevarria has served the community for over seven years through various capacities. She is tremendously grateful for the opportunity to have served as an AmeriCorps member implementing an afterschool program. She credits that experience for inspiring her dedication to the OST field. Tiffany currently manages grant processes aimed at strengthening programs that support youth ages five to early adulthood. She also supports several projects that convene partners to work collaboratively, including Out 2 Learn.
Resources Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund https://www.greaterhoustonrecovery.org
Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund -- Inquiry Fund https://www.greaterhoustonrecovery.org/covid-19-nonprofit-inquiry-form
Out 2 Learn's Website www.Out2LearnHOU.org
Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Podcast focuses on the viewpoints of two high school students adjusting to new ways of doing things because of COVID-19. They share their thoughts and experiences while practicing social distancing.
During this this podcast you will learn: • Virtually getting and completing class assignments • Elective courses which requires the use of special equipment • Socializing with friends without being in contact • Advice for teachers and other students if something like this ever happens again
Guests Brandon Cephus is originally from New Orleans, LA. He is a senior at Wheatley High School in Houston, TX who likes to write stories and play video games. He is a car enthusiast and plans to attend Houston Community College to study Game Design.
JonMitchell Goode is a senior at Wheatley High School from Houston, TX. He is a prolific music producer, recording artist and visual artist. He enjoys writing poetry, playing video games, and watching video games during his free time. He plans to follow his passion and study Music Production at Houston Community College
Together, they are the hosts of the Pen and Paper Podcast. In each episode, they explore the many aspects of student life, from getting to school to field trips to interviews with some of their most engaging teachers. If you enjoy funny, educational stories, this podcast is for you.
Resources
Andrew Karnavas andrew@yawprecords.com
Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool Podcast focuses on strategies parents and caregivers can use to inspire confidence in kids during the pandemic. Building youth’s self esteem and resilience has never been more important as they confront issues related to the coronavirus. Consequently, the lessons we learn during this new normal can assist parents and out-of-school time (OST) professionals with new innovative methods to teach youth. Our guest, Jennifer Miller is a published author, writer of the Confident Parents Confident Kids blog and sought after expert contributor on national news outlets regarding promoting social and emotional learning at home.
During this this podcast you will learn how:
- Youth serving institutions and school programs are changing and adapting to this new normal
- Parents can promote youth resiliency and social emotional skills at home
- Parents can be be a role models to keep kids calm or decrease their fear
- Adults can help youth express their thoughts and feelings regarding the pandemic
Guest
For twenty-five years, Jennifer Miller has worked with educators and families to help them become more effective with children through social and emotional learning (SEL). She is author and illustrator of the new book “Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence In Ourselves and Our Kids” and her blog has more than 23,000 followers in 152 countries world-wide. She serves as a regular expert contributor to NBC TODAY Parenting and to PBS Kids. She writes and offers expertise for numerous publications including The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, and Parent Magazine. She serves on the Tauck Family Foundation’s Advisory Committee along with members from Child Trends, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and Harvard’s School of Education. She consults with schools, conducts research and creates tools on parenting and SEL with partners at the University of Pittsburgh, Montana State University, and the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning. She frequently speaks at conferences, offers coaching to parents one-on-one, and conducts workshops in Ohio and nationally. She has her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership with a focus on social and emotional development and lives with her husband and twelve-year-old son in Columbus, Ohio.
Resources
Confident Parents Confident Kids webpage
https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/
CASEL CARES: SEL Resource During COVID-19
https://casel.org/covid-resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool Podcast focuses on strategies family members can use to help with stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many are feeling overwhelmed while adjusting to the limitations of life under social distancing practices. For adult caregivers trying to keep school-age kids busy, and/or assisting older parents, this can be an increasingly difficult time. Our guest, Lauren Pursley of Mental Health America of Greater Houston will share coping strategies for this time.
During this podcast we will discuss the following:
- Strategies for best coping mentally with news reports detailing effects of the COVID-19 outbreak
- Practical tips to deal with anxiety
- Practices to implement to overcome the feeling of loneliness caused by social distancing
- Activities that can be used in a program to decrease anxiety for students
- Suggestions to help others feeling grief over the loss of routines, and the uncertainty of the future
Guest
Lauren Pursley is an experienced Training Specialist with years of experience in the mental health care industry. She trains educators and community members in the signs and symptoms of mental illness, trauma and trauma-informed practices and suicide prevention. In addition, Lauren develops trainings in areas of mental health, such as Self-care and Burnout Prevention, Postpartum Disorders and Mental Health Law.
Resources
Mental health of America upgraded Houston
https://mhahouston.org/
Family Services of Greater Houston
https://www.familyhouston.org/
Texas Department of State Health Services
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/faq.aspx
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on the positive influence a social mindset can have on students' interactions with their peers, adults, and accomplishing academic endeavors. Researchers have found that students who positively engaged with their classmates and community members tend to remain on strong academic paths through high school as well as college (Hurtado and DeAngelo, 2012). To speak on the benefits of a social mindset is our featured guest, Dr. Rodney Glasgow, an expert in the field of civic engagement and developing a social mindset in youth.
Today's guest
Dr. Rodney Glasgow is a noted speaker, facilitator, trainer, and activist in the areas of diversity, equity, and social justice and has given numerous keynote presentations, delivered workshops, and offered consultation to schools and organizations nationwide. He was a member of Call-to-Action, the advisory board to the Vice President of Equity and Justice for the National Association of Independent Schools. He is an advisory board member for the Family Diversity Projects, Inc. and serves as Chair of the Diversity and Education Committee of the Board of Trustees for Sheridan School in Washington, DC. He is one of the founding members and now Chair of the National Association of Independent School's annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference, a 25-year-old training ground drawing over 1600 high school students nationwide. In 2014, Rodney launched the National Diversity Practitioners Institute, an intensive summer program that is now a highly respected training ground for school leaders run by his consortium of consultants known as The Glasgow Group.
You'll Learn
- Ways to encourage students to develop a social mindset
- Why is it important for students to be aware of the diversity, equity, and social issues existing around them
- Ways to create a setting where students can display compassion and understanding of the needs of others who may be different from them
- The roles adults play in encouraging a dialogue regarding diversity and equity and social issues
- Ways after school programs and other non-profit organizations can support the diversity and cultural differences which exist in their communities
Resources
CASE for Kids
-
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone/
-
Information regarding Dr. Glasgow
- https://www.rodneyglasgow.com/
-
https://www.theglasgowgroup.org/rodney-glasgow.html
-
Why Middle School Is an Ideal Time to Teach Civic Engagement by Dr. Rodney Glasgow
-
https://www.nais.org/learn/independent-ideas/september-2015/why-middle-school-is-an-ideal-time-to-teach-civic/
-
4 Ways to Use a 'Social Mindset' and Boost Employee Engagement by Andre Lavoie
-
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/295012
-
Social Mindset: A Key to Engaging People by Tanmay Vora
- http://qaspire.com/2017/05/08/social-mindset-a-key-to-engaging-talent/
- Mindset: What they are and why they matter by Dr. Gary Kline
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/seeing-what-others-dont/201605/mindsets
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on factors contributing to food insecurity experienced by youth. Hear Lauren White and Anna Burrows of the Houston Food bank discuss programs and services available to communities to combat hunger. For more information regarding services provided by the Houston Food Bank, visit houstonfoodbank.org
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on using the power of words to create a great 2020 program year. Hear from CASE for Kids staff as they share their hopes for the new year.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on tips for taking care of yourself during the holiday season. Join Jasmine Castleberry as she shares helpful suggestions for stress management as well as reminders to ensure you have an enjoyable holiday season. If you would like more information on handling stress you can reach Jasmine at Jcastleberry@hcde-texas.org
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focuses on keeping youth safe during the holiday season. The time busy months of November and December can be stressful for youth and adults alike. During this episode, Brandi Nichols will share helpful tips, suggestions and reminders to ensure children have an enjoyable and safe holiday season.
If you would like more information regarding keeping kids safe you may email Brandi at bnichols@hcde-texas.org
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features an interview with Chad Chesmark, the guest speaker at the CASE for Kids Lights on Afterschool celebration. Chad’s presentation focused on how the subconscious is a key factor in predicting future outcomes. If you would like more information on Chad Chesmark, please visit www.ChadChesmark.com
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
The focus of this episode of the Making After School Cool podcast highlights our CASE for KIDs After School Providers’ Fair. The providers’ fair hosted 60 youth-oriented vendors who presented ways in which their agencies could expand the services available to afterschool and out of school time programs. During this podcast you will hear from Jacqueline Chavez, the CASE for Kids Providers Support Coordinator. In addition, you will hear from representatives of six local service providers. For more information regrading the organizations speaking on the podcast, please contact Jacqueline Chaves at, jchavez@hcde-texas.org You may also get more information regarding the vendors at the following websites:
Healing Species, www.healingspeciestexas.org
Little Birdies Mobile Golf Academy, www.littlebirdiesgolf.com
Ondi Love, www.ondilove.com
Recipe for Success, www.recipe4success.org
VA Productions, www.vaproduction.org
Writers in the Schools Houston, www.witshouston.org
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode is part of two of the two part series focusing on project based learning featuring CASE Debates. In part one, you heard from the organizers of the CASE Debates programs as they described the elements of starting and sustaining a debate program. In part two, you will hear from student debaters as they share their experiences competing in debate tournaments.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
The focus of this episode is Project Based Learning featuring the CASE for Kids project, CASE Debates. In part one of this two-part series, you will hear from the organizers of the CASE Debates programs as they describe the elements of starting a debate program, recruiting schools, training staff and hosting tournaments.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool Podcast explores prevention and intervention strategies from the local community to federal government levels. The featured guest is Julia Andrews, Director of Harris County Department of Education Safe and Secure Schools. For more information regarding Safe and Secure schools please visit their website at https://hcde-texas.org/safe-and-secure-schools/
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode, the focus is afterschool programming tailored to the needs of students based on gender. In part two of this two-part series, Lynn Johnson, founder and Executive Director of Spotlight Girls, will share how afterschool programs could effectively address the needs of girls. For more information about Spotlight Girls visit, https://spotlightgirls.com/
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making Afterschool Cool podcast focuses on how site coordinators are adapting to the changing grant requirements for 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) programs. Featured guests include 21st CCLC site coordinators Brandi Nobles, Quentessa Pool and Caroline Teas. These professionals share how they are able to create engaging programming for students while staying in compliance.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode, the focus is after school programming tailored to the needs of students based on gender. In part one of this two-part series, Mr. Ashanti Branch, Founder and Executive Director of Ever Forward Club will share how afterschool programs could effectively address the needs of boys.
Resources
For more information about the EverForward Club please visit https://everforwardclub.org/ or email everforwardclub@gmail.com
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode is part 2 of an interview with Dr. Jerry Wallace, Assistant Dean of College and Public Service at the University of Houston-Downtown regarding ways post-secondary institutions can collaborate with community agencies and afterschool programs in supporting students from marginalized communities from college enrollment to graduation.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode, we will focus on ways post-secondary institutions can collaborate with community agencies and afterschool programs and their role in supporting students from marginalized communities. In part one of this two-part interview, Dr. Jerry Wallace, Assistant Dean of College and Public Service at the University of Houston-Downtown will discuss ways to effectively engage these students from enrollment to graduation.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast highlights Frazier Elementary in Pasadena ISD. Frazier was recognized as a Gold Ribbon school on the 2018-2019 Children at Risk School Ranking. Tune in for more information about this distinction, as well as interviews with Patrick Gill of Children and Risk and Wendy Wiseburn, the principal of Frazier Elementary.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast centers on a project-based college readiness learning event. The CASE for Kids Amazing Race featured five secondary schools, with students divided into ten teams. The teams were assigned to search for landmarks on four colleges/universities across Houston. This activity not only allowed the students to visit the post-secondary institutions, but also taught them leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. The race culminated at the University of Houston Downtown with closing ceremonies.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone
This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast, features students and staff involved with the Ecobots Underwater Drone Camp. Mr. Joe Paneitz has been working with students to provide them with hands on experience working with engineering and robotics concepts.
Resources
Harris County Department of Education
https://hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids
https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone